Puyallup Mortgage Questions Answered: A Pierce County Homebuyer's Guide
By Terry Leinneweber · May 7, 2026
A Puyallup mortgage broker answers common home loan questions for Pierce County and JBLM-area buyers — new construction, VA, FHA, conventional, and refinance.
Buying in Puyallup, Washington? As a Puyallup mortgage broker (Terry Leinneweber, NMLS #2003490), here are the most common Pierce County buyer questions.
1. Affordability
Puyallup balances new construction in South Hill with established neighborhoods downtown.
2. Credit minimums
- FHA 580 / VA 580–620 / Conventional 620 / Jumbo 700+
3. Down payment
VA 0% (great for JBLM families), Conv 97 3%, FHA 3.5%, WSHFC DPA available.
4. Why a broker
30+ wholesale lenders shopped — better than builder-lender pricing in most cases.
5. Pre-approval
Required for offers.
6. Rates
Macro plus your file.
7. Closing costs
2–4% of price; VA can be largely seller-paid.
8. Closing timeline
21–30 days.
9. New construction in South Hill
Always get a second quote vs. the builder's preferred lender — savings can be significant.
10. VA loans for JBLM
0% down, no PMI, flexible underwriting.
11. FHA
3.5% down; smart first-time loan.
12. Condos / townhomes
Warrantability checked before you offer.
13. Refinance
Free reviews; cash-out common as equity grows.
14. Self-employed
Bank statement, P&L, asset-depletion options.
15. Get started
Visit my Puyallup mortgage broker page for South Hill, Sunrise, Downtown, Edgewood, Sumner, and Bonney Lake details, or apply now.
Terry Leinneweber | NMLS #2003490 | WA #MLO-2003490 | Puyallup Mortgage Broker