Kevin Sliker - NMLS 1822540 - Movement Mortgage

10/17/2026

🇺🇸 Think you know who qualifies for a VA home loan? You might be surprised.

Here’s a quick sneak peek from my VA Home Loan class, where we break down eligibility, common misconceptions, and benefits many veterans and service members don’t realize they have.

Whether you’re a veteran, active-duty service member, or real estate agent working with military buyers, understanding VA eligibility is the first step.

More from the class coming soon!

10/13/2026

More buyers are entering the market with significant gift funds from family members, but affordability remains the primary concern.

I recently spoke with buyers targeting a payment of approximately $2,600/month while bringing roughly $100,000 toward the transaction.

For Realtors, this is a reminder that a larger down payment doesn't automatically mean buyers want to stretch their budget. Many are prioritizing payment stability, future investment opportunities, and flexibility to move up later while potentially retaining the property as a rental.

The most productive conversations today aren't about maximum approval amounts. They're about aligning financing strategy with long-term goals and monthly payment comfort.

Washington County continues to present opportunities for buyers who approach the market with a clear affordability plan.

10/12/2026

Many retirees and surviving spouses relocating to Oregon have more financing options than they realize.

Recently reviewed a scenario involving approximately $300,000 in expected home sale proceeds, Social Security income, and VA survivor benefits.

The client's primary goal wasn't maximizing purchasing power. It was minimizing monthly housing expense.

For buyers in this stage of life, it's important to compare traditional financing against HECM for Purchase strategies rather than assuming a standard mortgage is the only option.

As affordability continues to challenge many households, payment-focused planning remains one of the most valuable conversations Realtors and lenders can have with clients considering a relocation to Oregon.

10/10/2026

Can you buy a home in Oregon with an ITIN and about $10,000 saved?

Many buyers are told different things by different lenders, especially when ITIN financing is involved.

The best loan option depends on income, credit history, available savings, and whether traditional financing is available. In some cases, buyers may qualify for a stick-built home. In others, a manufactured home can provide an affordable path to homeownership.

If you're searching: "Can I buy a home in Oregon with an ITIN?" "How much do I need for a down payment in Oregon?" "What credit score do I need to buy a house?"

Start with a personalized strategy before shopping for homes.



LEARN MORE:
https://movement.com/lo/kevin-sliker/frequently-asked-questions

10/08/2026

Can I buy a home in Kelso or Longview with little money down?

This is one of the most common questions Southwest Washington homebuyers ask when they're tired of renting but don't have a large savings account.

Many buyers are surprised to learn there are loan programs that may require as little as 3% down, and some may qualify for down payment assistance programs that can help reduce upfront costs.

The right strategy depends on your income, credit profile, payment goals, and available funds.

If you're searching:

"How much money do I need to buy a home in Kelso WA?"

"Can I buy a house in Longview with limited savings?"

"What first-time homebuyer programs are available in Washington?"

A pre-approval review can help answer those questions and identify your options.

10/02/2026

Selling your home in Portland? Talk to a Realtor BEFORE you start spending money on projects. 🏡🔨

Jennifer Fidler with Opt Real Estate and I discuss two key steps to preparing your home for sale:

✅ Consult with a Realtor before making updates or going to market. Get a plan for what needs attention and where your money will make the most impact.

✅ Pay a professional to do the work. Skip the DIY—buyers notice the details, and the quality of your repairs and finishes matters.

Thinking about selling and buying your next home? Connect with Jennifer Fidler for your selling strategy and Kevin Sliker with Movement Mortgage for your next-home financing plan.

10/01/2026

What if the seller paid your closing costs, bought down your rate… AND you got your earnest money back at closing?

Here’s a simple example:

🏡 Purchase price: $400,000
🇺🇸 VA loan: $0 down
💰 Earnest money deposited: $5,000
💵 Closing costs + rate buydown: $15,000
🤝 Seller credit: $15,000

The seller credit covers the buyer’s eligible closing costs and rate buydown.

Because this buyer is using 100% financing, there’s no required down payment.

And that $5,000 they already deposited as earnest money?

Potentially returned to them at closing.

So the buyer could:
✅ Put $0 down
✅ Have the seller cover eligible closing costs
✅ Buy down the interest rate
✅ Get their $5,000 earnest money back

That’s why the conversation shouldn’t always be:

“What can we get the price down to?”

Sometimes the better question is:

“How can we structure the deal to keep more money in the buyer’s pocket?”

Watch the video — I break down how it works.

Exact credits and cash back depend on the loan program, contract, and actual allowable closing costs.

09/30/2026

Think you need 20% down to buy a home in Oregon? You may be closer than you think. 🏡

Leanna Langley with NextHome Realty Connection and I hear this from buyers all the time. Depending on your qualifications, conventional loans may allow as little as 3% down, FHA loans as little as 3.5%, and eligible VA or USDA buyers may have zero-down options.

Your down payment is only one part of the plan. We’ll look at your cash needed to close, your monthly payment, and the homes that fit your budget.

If 20% down is the reason you haven’t started, reach out to Leanna or me. Let’s find out what’s possible for you.

09/29/2026

Many veteran buyers are exploring homeownership while planning major life changes such as returning to school, changing careers, retiring, or transitioning out of the workforce.

One of the biggest financing questions isn't the home they're buying. It's whether their future income will support mortgage qualification.

For Realtors working with veteran buyers, timing matters. Financing should be reviewed before a client leaves a job, reduces hours, or makes a significant employment change.

Early conversations can help answer important questions:

- How will future income be evaluated?
- Can VA disability income support qualification?
- What purchase price range is realistic?
- How can seller credits reduce cash-to-close?

Buyers who understand these answers early typically have a smoother transaction and a clearer path to homeownership.

For agents working with veterans throughout Beaverton, Tigard, Tualatin, Sherwood, Hillsboro, and the greater Portland metro area, proactive financing discussions can help clients make informed decisions before they begin writing offers.

VA LOANS FOR MILITARY AND VETERANS If you’re active-duty military, a veteran or an eligible family member of a military veteran, you may qualify for a Veterans Affairs loan, and one of Movement’s biggest perks – waived lender’s fees*. The VA Mortgage is a government-based product offering 10...

09/28/2026

A home goes under contract, then shows up for sale again. What’s the first thing a buyer thinks?

“What’s wrong with it?”

Jennifer Fidler with Opt Real Estate and I talk about how buyers may view a home after a sale falls through. Even when the reason has nothing to do with the property, that “back on market” status can raise questions and change the conversation.

Would you ask what happened before scheduling a showing? 🏡