Creekside Mortgage - Blog

News, tips, and updates just for you!
VA Jumbo Loans – Idaho

VA Jumbo Loans – Idaho

In 2023, the maximum limit for a VA Jumbo Loan in the state of Idaho is $4 million with the unique advantage of requiring zero down payment. This type of loan is classified as a VA jumbo loan because it exceeds the conforming limits, yet it still allows borrowers to...

read more
Introducing My Journey into the World of Mortgages

Introducing My Journey into the World of Mortgages

Hello there, I’m Jaceson Smith-Martinez, and I’d like to take a moment to share a bit about my journey and the path that led me to Creekside Mortgage. Born and raised under the scorching Arizona sun, I embarked on a rather unconventional journey early in life. At the tender age of 17, I found myself enlisting in the United States Army, driven by a desire to make a difference. Little did I know that this decision would shape the course of my life in unexpected ways.

Stationed at Fort Bliss, Texas, I served as a combat medic with the Combat Aviation Brigade. In 2019, I was deployed to Afghanistan, contributing my part to Operation Enduring Freedom. The experiences and the camaraderie forged during that deployment left an indelible mark on me.

Fast forward to November 2022, a month that saw me taking my leave from the military due to medical retirement. Following my discharge, I embarked on a new chapter, finding myself in the labyrinthine world of finance. Specifically, I became a funding analyst at a prominent bank, tasked with the intricate work of scrutinizing automobile loans. My role involved assessing applicants’ financial situations, calculating interest rates, and ensuring that loans aligned with regulatory standards.

Yet, as time passed, I found it increasingly challenging to reconcile my work with my values. It weighed heavily on my conscience to see the exorbitant interest rates being offered to individuals with less-than-perfect credit. The very system I was a part of seemed to be profiting from the struggles of those who needed reliable transportation the most. It was a moral dilemma I could no longer ignore.

This stark realization led me to an important crossroads in my career. After ten months of emotionally draining work, I knew I had to transition to an industry where I could genuinely make a positive impact on people’s lives. My quest for a profession that aligned with my desire to help others ultimately led me to the mortgage industry.

My introduction to mortgages came with a sense of familiarity. I had been a consumer in the housing market, and both of my in-laws had been seasoned real estate agents for over two decades. I understood that homeownership is, for many, the cornerstone of the American dream. The prospect of helping individuals achieve this dream filled me with excitement and purpose.

It was during this search for a new career path that I discovered Creekside Mortgage Incorporated. An interview with Kerry, the owner of Creekside Mortgage, left an unbelievable impression on me. Kerry’s commitment to positively impacting every person he meets stood out like a beacon of hope in an industry often marred by self-interest. His dedication to structuring his business in ways that benefit consumers, even at his own expense, spoke volumes about his character.

In that moment, I knew I had found my new home, both in the mortgage industry and at Creekside Mortgage. This was the place where I could blend my passion for helping people with a company that shared the same unwavering commitment to making dreams of homeownership come true, ethically and compassionately.

In my upcoming blog posts, I’m thrilled to embark on a journey of exploration into various aspects of the mortgage industry. We’ll delve into an array of topics, including the common misconceptions that often surround the VA home loan program. I’ll also shed light on the concept of predatory lending, equipping you with the knowledge to protect yourself as a consumer. Curious about how and why interest rates fluctuate, and what forces drive these changes? We’ll dive into that as well. Additionally, I’ll share some of my own personal experiences as a consumer dealing with lenders, highlighting valuable lessons that can help you avoid similar pitfalls. Stay tuned for an informative and enlightening series that aims to empower you on your journey toward homeownership.

read more
Treasure Valley Update

Treasure Valley Update

Hey Treasure Valley! Here we are at the end of summer. Kids are going back to school now for a lot of us. It’s been kind of a delight to get the kids back out. My wife and I certainly are enjoying it, I hope you are too. So, looking at our current market. The events...

read more

Dreaming of owning your home using a VA loan

By Elisa Cotton If you're a veteran or currently active duty and dreaming of owning a home, the VA Home Loan program can be a fantastic opportunity to turn that dream into a reality. However, before embarking on this exciting journey, it's essential to understand the...

read more

Rental Property

If you have purchased a home using a VA home loan, you are required to occupy the property as your primary residence for at least 12 months following the closing of the loan. After this 12-month period, you are allowed to turn the property into a rental home if you...

read more
Kuna, ID

Kuna, ID

Hi, I’m Kerry Greenwald, your NW VA Guy and owner of Creekside Mortgage. We specialize in VA home loans and today I want to talk to you about Kuna, Idaho and what’s going on in that community. It’s crazy to look at the population growth...

read more

Idaho State

In 2023, the maximum VA loan amount in the state of Idaho for standard VA home loans with zero down payment is aligned with the standard conforming loan limit set by the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA). For this year, the standard conforming loan limit is...

read more

McMinnville, OR

Kerry Greenwald here, your NW VA Guy. Today, we are talking about McMinnville, Oregon. McMinnville is a special place to me and my family. My wife’s family is from there. When we originally first met, she lived in McMinnville and basically lived there her whole life....

read more

Clark County’s lack of Housing

Coming at you again this week to talk about Clark County as a whole and what has been going on in our community as we’ve seen things in the whole country overall starting to change. Clark County is still a very desirable place to come to. I know we still see the...

read more

3 week closing success

Congratulations to the Greenwald Team at Creekside Mortgage, Inc for successfully closing a VA loan in record time in Kuna, Idaho! Completing the loan in less than three weeks is an impressive feat, and it's wonderful to hear that the was Veteran borrower proactive in...

read more

Treasure Valley, ID

It's great to hear about your positive experiences with VA home loan appraisals in the Treasure Valley, Idaho! The fact that the appraisals have been completed within 5-7 days and have consistently come in at or above value is indeed impressive. Working with a local...

read more

Earnest Money

When applying for a VA home loan with Creekside Mortgage, Inc., it is generally advisable to put a small amount of earnest money down. The earnest money serves as a deposit to demonstrate the buyer's commitment to the transaction. However, it's important to note that...

read more

UWM

Yes, it is possible to avoid an escrow account on a VA home loan and manage your own payments for home insurance and taxes. One lender that offers this option is UWM (United Wholesale Mortgage). However, it's important to note that UWM may have certain requirements...

read more

Mt. Home, ID

If you're a veteran looking to buy a home in Mountain Home, Idaho, it's crucial to work with a local mortgage company that understands the specific rules and regulations that apply in that state. While large national banks may claim to be VA-friendly, they may not...

read more

Cheney, WA by Elisa Cotton

When it comes to obtaining a home loan through the Veterans Administration (VA), understanding the Tidewater Policy is crucial. This policy aims to ensure fairness and transparency during the appraisal process, protecting both veterans and lenders. The Tidewater...

read more

Cheney Rodeo by Elisa Cotton

Every year, the small town of Cheney, Washington comes alive with the spirit of the Wild West as it hosts the highly anticipated Cheney Rodeo. This thrilling event brings together rodeo enthusiasts from far and wide, showcasing the region's rich western heritage and...

read more

Putting 5% Down

If a veteran can put down 5% on a home purchase and does not have a service-connected disability, going through the VA (Department of Veterans Affairs) is typically their best lending option. By putting down 5%, the funding fee charged by the VA is reduced to 1.5%...

read more

Spokane, WA by Elisa Cotton

As the summer sun rises in beautiful Spokane, WA., anticipation builds for the day's festivities. The flag is proudly raised, its colors unfurled in the breeze, a potent reminder of the nation's enduring spirit. The 4th of July is more than just a date on the...

read more

COE by Elisa Cotton

A VA Certificate of Eligibility (COE) is a vital document that establishes a veteran's eligibility for VA home loan benefits. Lenders rely on the COE to verify a borrower's eligibility. However, what happens when your lender can’t obtain your COE? Not too long ago a...

read more

Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall in Meridian, ID

I got the honor to volunteer at the Vietnam Veteran memorial wall replica in Meridian, Idaho this past weekend. The opportunity to help people find the names of their loved ones and friends was so meaningful and humbling experience. War is indeed a complex and...

read more

Gowen Field Boise, ID

Gowen Field in Boise, Idaho has made the decision to move on from the A-10 aircraft, and there were initial discussions about the possibility of the F-35 being stationed there. However, due to concerns within the local community regarding potential noise levels, it...

read more

Pasco, WA

Kerry Greenwald here, your NW VA Guy. Today I’m going to talk to you about Pasco, Washington. It’s in the middle of the Tri-Cities. Pasco’s WA. population point is right dead in the middle of what Richland, WA. and Kennewick, WA. are. It’s actually pretty close to the...

read more

EWU Veteran Center by Elisa Cotton

Embrace the Summer Session at EWU's Veteran Center in Cheney, WA As the temperatures rise and the sun graces us with its radiant warmth, Eastern Washington University (EWU) in Cheney, WA, is gearing up for an exciting summer session that starts today. Nestled in the...

read more

VA Interest Rate Reduction Refinance Loan

VA home loans can be a favorable option in the current market, providing several benefits to eligible veterans and active-duty service members. These loans often offer competitive interest rates and more flexible qualification requirements compared to conventional...

read more

Yakima, WA

Hey, I’m Kerry Greenwald, your NW VA Guy. Today we’re talking about Yakima, Washington, Yakima Valley, and VA loans in this area. There’s a lot of VA activity going on in this area. We continue to see small bits of growth within the community. I’ve done a lot of VA...

read more

Hoopfest in Spokane, WA

The Ultimate Basketball Extravaganza is coming! When it comes to celebrating the spirit of basketball and embracing the thrill of competition, few events can match the grandeur and excitement of Hoopfest in Spokane, Washington. Known as the largest 3-on-3 outdoor...

read more

Testing well water for a VA home loan

When it comes to testing well water for a VA home loan, there are several requirements that need to be fulfilled. These requirements are in place to ensure the water quality meets certain standards and that veterans are provided with safe and potable water. Here are...

read more

Tri-Cities Popular Destination

Wow, the Tri Cities, WA. have been a very popular destination to move to. A lot of people are leaving parts of Oregon and California and moving from that side of the mountains over to the Tri Cities, Washington. Basically, you have Kennewick, WA. Pasco, WA. and...

read more

Yakima, WA VA Home Loans

Creekside Mortgage, Inc, headquartered in Washington state, is a trusted mortgage broker dedicated to assisting veterans in Yakima, WA, with their VA home loan needs. With a strong focus on Veterans Helping Veterans, Creekside Mortgage understands the unique...

read more

Putting 5% Down on a VA Home Loan

Putting 5% down on a VA home loan purchase on your 2nd use instead of 0% down can offer several benefits for a veteran who doesn't have VA disability and needs to pay the funding fee. Here are some advantages of making a 5% down payment:  Video on NW VA Guy...

read more

Credit Reports

At Creekside Mortgage Inc., we follow standard industry practices when it comes to pulling credit reports for mortgage applications. We utilize credit agencies that retrieve credit reports from major credit bureaus such as TransUnion, Equifax, and Experian. These...

read more

Tri-Cities, WA

Wow, the Tri Cities, WA. have been a very popular destination to move to. A lot of people are leaving parts of Oregon and California and moving from that side of the mountains over to the Tri Cities, Washington. Basically, you have Kennewick, WA. Pasco, WA. and...

read more

Innovative Thinking for VA Home Loan Options

Idaho Home for Heroes acknowledges Ryan Coit for his innovative thinking, which holds true in the context of VA home loans. Let's consider an example where a veteran is approved for a loan of $300,000 and their dream is to own multiple properties. By purchasing a...

read more

Twin Falls, ID

If you are a veteran looking for a VA home loan in Twin Falls, Idaho, Creekside Mortgage, Inc is a reliable option to consider. Creekside Mortgage is a mortgage company based in the state of Idaho that specializes in assisting veterans with 100% VA home loan...

read more

Astoria, OR

 The Coast Guard has recently established a new unit in Warrenton, OR, known as Base Astoria. This base serves as a crucial logistics support hub for Coast Guard units across the thirteenth Coast Guard district, encompassing the Oregon and Southwest Washington...

read more

COE-Certificate of Eligibility

The first crucial step in obtaining approval for a VA home loan is acquiring your COE (Certificate of Eligibility). To successfully obtain the COE, certain documents are required depending on your service history. If you were on active duty, you will need a...

read more

Richland, WA

Creekside Mortgage, Inc. is an esteemed mortgage company with a team of VA home loan experts, dedicated to assisting veterans in Richland, Washington, and The Tri-Cities, WA. With their in-depth knowledge and experience in VA home loans, Creekside Mortgage specializes...

read more

Everett, WA

Everett, Washington is a city located in Snohomish County and is set to become the home port of the USS Ronald Reagan (CVN-76), a Nimitz-class nuclear-powered aircraft carrier of the United States Navy. The arrival of the USS Ronald Reagan...

read more

Clark County, WA

The market in Clark County has been crazy lately as we’ve all witnessed. We had a transaction here a couple days ago that had 13 offers on one house in the course of two days. If you’re in a certain price category, it’s absolutely crazy. Basically, anything in Clark...

read more

Treasure Valley, ID

Hey Treasure Valley, ID. we just finished up the Parade of Homes and it was an awesome event. If you got a chance to go look at all those houses, it was unbelievable. It was great to see all the different areas in northern Meridian, ID. and out in Star, ID. It was...

read more
Vancouver Washington Veteran VA Real Estate Agent

Vancouver Washington Veteran VA Real Estate Agent

Experienced VA Realtor Vancouver, WA. Area - Graham Gentry - Columbia River Realty - ERA Powered Graham Gentry VA Veteran Real Estate Expert 1700 Main St. Washougal, WA 98671 Cell  360.210.3391 Graham@ColumbiaRiverRealty.com       Avionics Electronics...

read more

Leaving Oregon moving to Clark County Washington

Clark County, Washington is crazy right now. You’re seeing the biggest influx happening as people basically jump the river coming across from Oregon. That’s probably about 30% of the overall market drive. People are leaving Oregon for safety,...

read more

Portland, OR Metro Area

Steve Granmo is an experienced VA real estate professional who has been working with Creekside Mortgage since 2005. Over the course of his career, he has developed expertise in VA homes and has successfully assisted clients in the Portland Metro...

read more

Can you use a VA Loan on an ADU

Hey! I had a great question asked of me the other day at an open house and I’d like to share it with everyone here in Treasure Valley, ID. So, I had an individual, her son has service-connected disability of 100%. She was wanting to buy a house with him, like an...

read more

Open Houses-Busy, Busy, Busy in the Treasure Valley

Today I'd like to talk a little bit about some open houses I had this past weekend. We did one in Caldwell, ID. which is the main one I want to go through and talk about. It was in the historical district, right downtown. Wow, the traffic. I mean it was crazy how many...

read more

Market Heating Up

Today I want to spend a little bit of time talking about the market heating back up. Yes, I still believe it's somewhat of a buyers’ market. However, there are some indications that are changing that tone. Rates are on the decline right now. They’re coming down, which...

read more

Treasure Valley Update

Hello Treasure Valley! Ada and Canyon County have a little separation between the two with Nampa and Meridian, but we can see through growth and activity that they're going to touch here soon. My prediction is within five to seven years you're going to have no defined...

read more