Ric Harter - Highlands Residential Mortgage-NMLS #964644

Ric Harter - Highlands Residential Mortgage-NMLS #964644 Sr. Loan Officer
Highlands Residential Mortgage, Ltd NMLS ID #134871 is an Equal Housing Lender. State Licenses: https://highlandsmortgage.com/state-licenses/

🏡❤️ Client experience is everything!I’m grateful for the opportunity to help another family navigate their home-buying j...
09/18/2026

🏡❤️ Client experience is everything!

I’m grateful for the opportunity to help another family navigate their home-buying journey and make the mortgage process feel clear, approachable, and stress-free. 🙌🔑

A special shout-out to Jen Murrweiss - Realtor for recommending me to these clients and trusting me to be part of their homeownership journey! 🤝🏠

Thank you for the trust and congratulations to my clients on their new home! 🎉

If you’re a Realtor looking for a mortgage partner who will take great care of your clients, I’d love to connect! 📲

There are plenty of homebuying myths that can make owning a home feel more out of reach than it really is:"You need 20% ...
09/16/2026

There are plenty of homebuying myths that can make owning a home feel more out of reach than it really is:
"You need 20% down to buy."
"My credit isn't perfect, so I shouldn't even try."
"Rates are higher, so it must be a bad time to buy."
"I'm self-employed, so getting approved will be impossible."

That's where a knowledgeable Loan Officer comes in. I can help you separate fact from fiction, understand your financing options, build a plan around your goals, and determine what you may qualify for.





http://www.TeamRicHarter.com

It happens all the time: a buyer is ready to go, things are moving along... and then something avoidable throws the cont...
09/14/2026

It happens all the time: a buyer is ready to go, things are moving along... and then something avoidable throws the contract off track.

Here are 5 of the biggest "penalty flags" for new homebuyers (that you can absolutely avoid):

1️⃣ Skipping pre-approval and falling in love with homes before you know your numbers
2️⃣ Opening new credit or financing big purchases while you're under contract
3️⃣ Making large, unexplained cash deposits
4️⃣ Underestimating closing costs and only planning for the down payment
5️⃣ Changing jobs (or income type) in the middle of the process

The good news? Every one of these can be prevented with a little guidance up front.

If you're thinking about buying, let's walk through your game plan before you hit the field so you can avoid the flags and get to the closing table smoothly.




http://www.TeamRicHarter.com

How much does the Rate really affect your payment? Even a half-point or one-point change in rate can make a big differen...
09/07/2026

How much does the Rate really affect your payment? Even a half-point or one-point change in rate can make a big difference in your monthly mortgage payment. Depending on the loan amount, that could mean paying hundreds more-or less-each month.

That's why buydown options are such an important conversation right now. By lowering the rate, we may be able to help get your payment closer to where it needs to be.


http://www.TeamRicHarter.com

At Highlands Residential Mortgage, we're always looking for ways to help more people become homeowners.That's why we've ...
09/05/2026

At Highlands Residential Mortgage, we're always looking for ways to help more people become homeowners.
That's why we've added SmartBuy™ Down Payment Assistance to the programs we offer.
Many buyers can comfortably afford a mortgage payment but haven't saved enough for a down payment and closing costs. SmartBuy™ DPA may help cover some of those upfront expenses, making it possible to buy sooner than you thought.
✔ Up to 5% assistance available
✔ No first-time homebuyer requirement
✔ No income restrictions
✔ FHA and USDA financing options
✔ Forgivable assistance options available
✔ Available nationwide (excluding New York)
Think you need more money saved before buying a home? You may have more options than you realize.
Reach out and let's talk.


http://www.TeamRicHarter.com

The homebuying process has a way of tossing around mortgage terms like they're everyday vocabulary, when for most people...
09/03/2026

The homebuying process has a way of tossing around mortgage terms like they're everyday vocabulary, when for most people, they're anything but. Understanding basics like pre-approval vs. pre-qualification or what APR, PMI, and DTI mean can make the process feel a lot less overwhelming.

You don't need to become a mortgage expert overnight, but having a solid grasp of these terms can help you feel more confident about what you can afford and what to expect. If you've ever thought, "I probably should know what that means," then give me a call today and I can get you sorted out.



http://www.TeamRicHarter.com

Choosing between a FIXED-RATE and ADJUSTABLE-RATE mortgage really comes down to your goals. Some buyers prefer the consi...
09/01/2026

Choosing between a FIXED-RATE and ADJUSTABLE-RATE mortgage really comes down to your goals. Some buyers prefer the consistency and long-term stability of a fixed rate, while others may benefit from the initial savings an adjustable-rate mortgage can offer in the right situation.

The better choice isn't the same for everyone - it depends on your plans, your budget, and how long you expect to stay in the home. If you're weighing both options, I can help you look at the pros and decide what fits best.



http://www.TeamRicHarter.com

Closing costs can feel a little like a jump scare at the end of the homebuying process, but they're much less intimidati...
08/30/2026

Closing costs can feel a little like a jump scare at the end of the homebuying process, but they're much less intimidating when you know what's coming. These are the costs tied to finalizing your loan and purchase, and they're an important part of planning your budget.

Closing costs can include things like:
* Lender fees
* Appraisal costs
* Title work
* Prepaid property taxes
* Homeowners insurance
* Other loan and settlement-related expenses

The good news is, closing costs don't have to catch you off guard. When you understand them early, it becomes much easier to prepare and move through the process with confidence. If you'd like help estimating what closing costs could look like for your situation, I'm here to help.



http://www.TeamRicHarter.com

A conventional loan is a dependable mortgage option that offers competitive terms, flexible down payment options, and a ...
08/28/2026

A conventional loan is a dependable mortgage option that offers competitive terms, flexible down payment options, and a strong fit for many buyers, making it a classic choice that continues to quietly do the heavy lifting in the homebuying process.

Ready to go house hunting and want to know what kind of loan you may qualify for? Let's talk through your options today and see if a conventional loan is the right fit for you.



http://www.TeamRicHarter.com

Address

516 6th Street S, Ste 200
Kirkland, WA
98033

Telephone

+12063356133

Website

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Ric Harter - Highlands Residential Mortgage-NMLS #964644 posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Contact The Business

Send a message to Ric Harter - Highlands Residential Mortgage-NMLS #964644:

Shortcuts

Share

Category