Jessica Washington, NMLS 404018

09/05/2026

Fannie Mae just made a change.
Almost nobody is talking about it yet.

It just got easier to keep your current home, turn it into a rental, and still qualify for your next house.

No tenant lined up before closing.
No signed lease required.
No first month's rent or security deposit collected in advance.

For eligible departing residences, documented market rent can now be used to help offset the existing mortgage payment. (Think Zillow. Redfin. An MLS pull.)

Here's why this is a big deal.

A lot of homeowners are sitting on 3% and 4% mortgage rates they do not want to give up. They want to move. But selling means losing that rate.

So the alternative becomes:
→ Keep the current home
→ Rent it out
→ Buy the next one

The problem was always qualifying.
Under the previous guidelines, using rental income from the home you were leaving could require:

→ A signed 12 month lease
→ A deposit already collected
→ First month's rent already collected

All before you closed on the next house. While you were possibly still living there. Still house hunting. Still unsure exactly when you were moving.

That created a ridiculous timing problem. You had to find a tenant and commit to a lease around a closing date you might not even have yet. For a lot of homeowners, that made keeping the house nearly impossible.

Now, for an eligible departing residence, we can use documented market rent instead.

Here's how it can work:
→ We document the home's market rent
→ We use 75% of that amount
→ That income can help offset the existing mortgage payment

Example:
Your current home could rent for $2,400 a month.
75% of that is $1,800.
If your mortgage payment is $1,900, almost the entire payment could be offset for qualifying purposes.

And you didn't have to find a tenant before closing.

For homeowners sitting on rates they may never see again, that's a very different conversation!!!

03/27/2026

01/02/2026

Single women are one of the strongest forces in today’s housing market, and the momentum keeps growing. More women are choosing to buy on their own home, build equity, and create long-term financial stability without waiting for the “perfect” moment or partner. If buying is on your radar for next year, this is a great time to start exploring what’s possible.

Understanding your budget, your loan options, and your path forward can put you in a powerful position to move when the right home shows up. Get approved* now so you know exactly how much home you can buy. DM me for details.

*Approval indicates an Underwriter has reviewed your application and has verified all necessary forms of income, assets, and credit; final approval is subject to underwriter and property conditions and is voided by changes in borrower’s credit, loan program, or unforeseen circumstances beyond lender’s control.

05/10/2025

Before you dive into the excitement of house hunting, a little preparation can make all the difference. Setting yourself up for success upfront means fewer headaches later — and it all starts with a solid plan. Try these steps before you start house hunting:
• Get qualified* for a mortgage — This is one of the first steps you’ll want to take. It helps you understand your budget, so you can shop with confidence and avoid wasting time on homes that are out of your price range.
• Know your must-haves — Make a list of features you absolutely need in a home (like number of bedrooms, backyard space, or a home office). This helps you stay focused when browsing listings.
• Research the area — Take some time to explore neighborhoods. Consider factors like schools, commute times, and local amenities. It’s just as important as the home itself.
• Start saving for closing costs — Don’t forget about the extra expenses beyond the down payment! Closing costs can add up, so it’s important to budget for them.
Ready to get started? Send me a DM to talk about your mortgage options and start house hunting with a solid plan in place.
*All loans subject to credit approval. A qualification is not an approval of credit and does not signify that underwriting requirements have been met. Conditions and restrictions may apply.

07/23/2024

Has your home financing search gotten a little bland? Whether you want to buy or renovate, I have home loan options to help spice things up! Not to mention down payment assistance programs that really bring the heat. Connect with me today.

04/01/2024

Realtors, remember that when working with veterans who are purchasing a home through the use of a VA loan, they are unable to pay their agent's commission.