Chris Watkins - Freestone Mortgage NMLS 2465391

05/21/2026

Big news that can help a lot of folks save money when buying a house. I don't say the words 'game changer' often, but it applies here. Could this help you get over the hump into home ownership? Let's find out!

05/02/2026

Had a great evening at ! Check them out for a unique experience of pinball, past and present.

04/26/2026

Took down one of my goals for the year. Great day for a race!

Powered by Nerds Gummy Clusters, and

04/25/2026

Fit check for tomorrow's (running the half). I should be pretty easy to spot, say hi!

Fueled by gummy clusters and

04/22/2026

Two Truths and a Wry- Choose Your Fighter -

It’s come to my attention that my email server didn’t deliver my last few newsletters to over half of my charming and beguiling subscribers. For shame! So I’m re-sending out my most recent offerings. If you received this twice, read it again!

04/20/2026

This is where things start to get more strategic:

Real Estate Professional Status.

If you qualify, this changes the rules.

Normally, rental property losses are considered “passive”—which means they’re limited in how they can offset your income.

But if you meet the IRS criteria for real estate professional status, those limits can disappear.

Result:
You may be able to use rental property losses to offset **active income**—even high W-2 earnings.

Where this really shows up is in a two-income household:

One high earner (doctor, attorney, etc.) with a significant tax burden

* One partner who qualifies as a real estate professional
= The ability to use real estate losses to reduce overall taxable income

It’s a more advanced setup, and the qualifications matter—but for the right household, it can be a powerful combination.

04/13/2026

This is where real estate starts to feel a little unfair (in a good way):

Depreciation.

The IRS assumes your property (not the land) wears out over time—so they let you write off a portion of its value every year over 27.5 years.

Even if your home is actually going up in value… you still get to claim that it’s “losing” value on paper.

That annual write-off can add up to a meaningful tax deduction—without you spending any additional money.

And the best part?
This is typically handled automatically by your CPA or tax software. No advanced strategy required.

It’s one of the core reasons real estate investors can build wealth while reducing their taxable income at the same time.

Full Video here: https://youtu.be/KvGt4U1o6pw?si=-eyth2ZRTuto_iMt

04/12/2026

Here’s one that’s a little less obvious—but potentially much more impactful as you grow:

The property tax deduction (SALT).

Since 2017, you’ve been able to deduct state and local taxes on your federal return—but there’s been a cap limiting how much you could actually use. Historically, that cap sat at $10,000.

Now, with that cap expanded up to $40,000, this becomes a much bigger lever—especially if you live in a higher-tax state or own multiple properties.

And here’s the key:
It doesn’t matter if it’s your primary home or an investment property. Property taxes across your portfolio all count the same toward that limit.

If you’re scaling into multiple properties, this is where things start to compound in a meaningful way.

This is one of those “quiet” advantages of real estate that becomes louder the more you own.

Full video here: https://youtu.be/KvGt4U1o6pw?si=-eyth2ZRTuto_iMt

04/09/2026

It’s tax season—which means it’s time to talk about one of the most overlooked benefits of owning real estate: paying less in taxes.

Real estate isn’t just about appreciation or cash flow. The tax advantages alone can make a meaningful difference year after year—even if you only own your primary residence.

Start with the simplest one: the mortgage interest deduction.

Every year, your lender sends you a 1098 showing how much interest you paid. That number can often translate into a sizable deduction when you file—no complex strategy required. If you own a home, you’re likely already eligible.

This video breaks down that (and more) into clear, usable strategies—from beginner to advanced—so you can understand what’s available and what might apply to you.

If you own real estate and aren’t thinking about taxes, you’re leaving part of the value on the table.

Full Video on how to avoid paying taxes as a real estate owner here: https://youtu.be/KvGt4U1o6pw?si=-eyth2ZRTuto_iMt

Questions? Drop them below.

03/26/2026

You don't want a mortgage, you want a home. Borrowing can seem daunting, but it doesn't have to be a headache! I pride myself on being an approachable guide to help you turn your goals into wins. Take advantage of my 20 years in housing helping people achieve financial freedom through real estate.

Anywhere in Oregon and Washington, any type of property, we can get it done.

Reach out for a call or Zoom!

Chris Watkins - Senior Mortgage Broker
NMLS 2465391