Seattle Mortgage Broker
Seattle is one of the most competitive housing markets in the country. Median home prices crossed $800,000 in early 2026 — and in Queen Anne, Magnolia, and Capitol Hill, $900K–$1M+ is a starting point. If you're buying here for the first time, or using your VA benefit, the margin for error is small. I'm Terry Leinneweber (NMLS #2003490), a Seattle mortgage broker licensed in Washington through Dwell Mortgage. I move fast, know the programs, and give you direct answers — not a call center hand-off.
Seattle Housing Market
Seattle's market has stabilized from its pandemic peaks but remains expensive and fast-moving. Median prices (early 2026): city overall ~$820K, Ballard/Crown Hill $850K–$950K, Capitol Hill/First Hill $750K–$900K, Beacon Hill/Columbia City $680K–$780K, West Seattle $750K–$850K, Rainier Valley $600K–$700K, Queen Anne/Magnolia $950K–$1.2M+. Condos and townhomes offer a $450K–$650K entry point. King County's 2026 conforming limit is $806,500 — above it, you're in jumbo territory.
Loan Programs for Seattle Buyers
Conventional, FHA (King County limit ~$977,500 for 2026), VA, jumbo, high-balance conforming, and WSHFC down payment assistance. The Seattle Office of Housing also offers deferred DPA loans that stack with WSHFC programs. With 30+ wholesale investors, I shop your scenario across products — not just the one product a bank happens to offer.
Why Work With a Local Seattle Mortgage Broker
National call centers don't know Seattle. I do. From Ballard bungalows to Capitol Hill condos to West Seattle craftsman homes, I understand the appraisal nuances, the condo project approval lists, and how to structure jumbo loans around tech compensation including RSUs and bonuses.
Neighborhoods & Areas I Serve Near Seattle
VA Loans for Seattle's Veteran Community
Seattle and greater King County have a substantial veteran population — JBLM is 30 miles south, Naval Station Everett is 25 miles north, and many veterans land in Seattle tech and aerospace after service. If you're a veteran buying in Seattle, the VA loan is almost always your best financial option:
- Zero down payment — on any price, including jumbo-range purchases with full entitlement
- No PMI — ever, at any down payment amount
- VA rates typically beat conventional rates at the same credit profile
- No loan limits for borrowers with full entitlement
Jumbo Loans — Built for Seattle's Price Points
A significant portion of Seattle home purchases require jumbo financing. Jumbo carries different qualification standards (typically 10–20% down, 700+ credit, more cash reserves) but opens the full Seattle market without forcing a larger down payment on a conventional product. With access to 30+ investors, I can compare jumbo rates across multiple lenders rather than locking you into one bank's product.
Down Payment Assistance — Yes, Even in Seattle
WSHFC's Home Advantage and House Key programs offer down payment assistance to qualifying buyers — including many in Seattle's middle-income bracket. King County income limits are higher than most people expect. If you're a first-time buyer in Seattle earning $80,000–$130,000 and assuming you make too much — check before you assume. You may qualify.
What the Seattle Mortgage Process Looks Like
Buying in Seattle is fast. Homes in desirable neighborhoods move in 7–14 days. You can't start the pre-approval process after you find a home you want.
Step 1 — Pre-Approval Before You Shop. Before you tour, we talk through income, assets, credit, and goals. Most complete files get a pre-approval letter within 24–48 hours.
Step 2 — We Compare Your Options. I shop your scenario across 30+ investors — comparing rate, fees, down payment, and program eligibility. You see trade-offs in plain language.
Step 3 — You're Not a File Number. Direct communication from me throughout. No hand-offs, no call centers, no 'your loan officer is out of office' delays.
Seattle Mortgage FAQ
Terry Leinneweber | NMLS #2003490 | WA #MLO-2003490 | Licensed in Washington State. Mortgage broker services available in Seattle, King County, and across Washington including Seattle, Tacoma, Bellevue, Spokane, Vancouver, Olympia, Everett, Kennewick, Renton, Federal Way, Bellingham, and Puyallup.