Cliff Taylor - Intercap Lending

Cliff Taylor - Intercap Lending EQUAL HOUSING LENDER I have over 25 years of experience originating loans and managing a team with close to 20 years of it with Penrith Home Loans.

I pride myself in communication and understanding the needs of my clients. I work with a full range of products including Conventional, FHA, VA, USDA, Portfolio and Down Payment Assistance programs. Whether you are purchasing your first home or you are seasoned veteran, I can guide you through the many options of buying or refinancing a principal residence, second home or investment property. My b

usiness and reputation have been built on referrals from others and trust that you will feel the same way once you’ve experience my service to your mortgage needs. Cliff Taylor | NMLS ID # 770665
Producing Branch Manager
9017 N Country Homes Blvd | Spokane, WA 99218
Cell 509.818.4362

06/17/2026

The fastest closings start before you ever find the house.Get your documents together early and the rest of the process gets a lot smoother. Watch the video to see exactly what you need.

These two terms sound similar, but they are very different when it comes to buying a home.Pre QualificationA quick estim...
06/15/2026

These two terms sound similar, but they are very different when it comes to buying a home.

Pre Qualification
A quick estimate based on self reported information. Helpful as a starting point, but not verified.

Pre Approval
A deeper review of income, credit, and assets. This is what sellers and agents take seriously.

In a competitive market, pre approval is what gives buyers confidence and credibility when making an offer.

If you are serious about buying, this is one of the most important steps to take early.

If you are thinking about updating your home this summer, the trends in 2026 are less about major renovations and more a...
06/12/2026

If you are thinking about updating your home this summer, the trends in 2026 are less about major renovations and more about smart, intentional upgrades.

Here are some of the biggest ones I am seeing:

Outdoor living spaces
Backyards that feel like an extension of the home with seating, shade, and entertaining areas

Energy efficient upgrades
Windows, doors, and systems that lower long term costs

Kitchen touches that add function
Small upgrades like hardware, lighting, and features that improve daily use

Spa inspired bathrooms
Simple updates that create a more relaxing, elevated feel

Defined spaces
More separation between work, living, and relaxation areas instead of fully open layouts

Buyers today are looking for comfort, function, and lifestyle, not just finishes.

Source: Zillow 2026 Home Trends Report and The Spruce 2026 Renovation Trends

Mid year is the perfect time to pause and take a look at your financial picture.I like to walk clients through a simple ...
06/10/2026

Mid year is the perfect time to pause and take a look at your financial picture.

I like to walk clients through a simple review:

Current mortgage payment and rate
Property taxes and insurance
Debt and monthly obligations
Savings and equity position

From there, we can see if any adjustments make sense.

Maybe it is a refinance. Maybe a HELOC. Maybe everything is already in a great place.

At the very least, you walk away knowing exactly where you stand and that your current setup still aligns with your goals.

Renting vs owning is one of those conversations that is rarely as simple as people want it to be.I have clients on both ...
06/08/2026

Renting vs owning is one of those conversations that is rarely as simple as people want it to be.

I have clients on both sides of this decision and the right answer is always tied to their goals.

Renting offers flexibility and lower upfront commitment.

Owning offers a different set of advantages:

More control over your living situation
The ability to build equity over time
Exposure to long term appreciation

What I focus on is helping clients understand the tradeoffs and how each path aligns with their financial strategy.

In many cases, it is less about what is right in general and more about what is right for that specific moment.

Homeownership has historically been a key driver of long term wealth for many households. Source: FHFA House Price Index 2025.

Not every drop in rates means it is time to refinance.What I look at is your strike rate.Your strike rate is the interes...
06/05/2026

Not every drop in rates means it is time to refinance.

What I look at is your strike rate.

Your strike rate is the interest rate where refinancing actually makes financial sense for you.

Historically, many people used a 1% difference as a guideline. For example, if your current rate is 7.5%, a strike rate might be around 6.5%.

In today’s market, that gap is often smaller. Sometimes a 0.5% to 0.75% difference can be enough depending on the loan structure and goals.

The key is not just the rate. It is the overall impact on your payment, costs, and timeline.

Refinancing can be a great move, but only if it makes sense for your timeline.The key concept is break even.Break even i...
06/03/2026

Refinancing can be a great move, but only if it makes sense for your timeline.

The key concept is break even.

Break even is the point where your monthly savings outweigh the cost of the refinance.

Here is how it works:

Take your total closing costs
Divide by your monthly savings
That gives you the number of months to break even

If you plan to stay in the home longer than that timeframe, the refinance may make sense.

If not, it could actually cost you money.

Understanding this number is one of the most important parts of making a smart refinance decision.

Private Mortgage Insurance does not have to last forever.Many buyers are surprised to learn there are ways to remove PMI...
06/01/2026

Private Mortgage Insurance does not have to last forever.

Many buyers are surprised to learn there are ways to remove PMI depending on their situation.

You may be able to remove it by:

Reaching 20% equity in your home
Seeing an increase in home value
Refinancing into a new loan
Requesting removal based on your current balance

A quick review can show if you are closer than you think.

According to Freddie Mac, rising home values have helped many homeowners reach equity positions faster than expected.

Source: Freddie Mac Housing Market Report 2025.

Not every borrower fits into a traditional box, and that is where FLEX loans come in.These programs are designed for:Sel...
05/29/2026

Not every borrower fits into a traditional box, and that is where FLEX loans come in.

These programs are designed for:

Self employed borrowers
Non traditional income
Unique financial situations

Instead of forcing a file into strict guidelines, FLEX loans allow for a more complete look at the borrower.

That can mean using alternative documentation, considering assets differently, or structuring the loan around how someone actually earns and manages money.

If you have ever felt like you do not fit the standard mold, there may be more options available than you think.

One of the biggest challenges I see is timing the sale of a current home with the purchase of the next one.Transition lo...
05/27/2026

One of the biggest challenges I see is timing the sale of a current home with the purchase of the next one.

Transition loans are designed to solve that.

They allow you to:

Buy your next home before selling
Sell or rent your current home within a set timeframe
Move without feeling rushed or pressured

This creates flexibility and removes the stress of trying to line up two major transactions at the same time.

For many buyers, it turns a complicated move into a much more manageable process.

Address

9017 N Country Homes Boulevard
Spokane, WA
99218

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Cliff Taylor - Intercap Lending posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Share