Elisa Cotton

NMLS # 86692

360-903-2950

elisa@creeksidem.com

Elisa Cotton Loan Officer

Blog

How to Build Home Equity

How to Build Home Equity

While it is possible to get into homeownership with little upfront investment, there can be many benefits to building up equity in a property. Mortgage equity is the value of the homeowner’s stake in a home. It is basically how much the home is wort

Apr 24, 2019 | Home Equity

How to Calculate Your Debt-to-Income Ratio

How to Calculate Your Debt-to-Income Ratio

When you are ready to apply for a mortgage loan, your lender will ask you for all sorts of financial information. One of the things lenders do with this data is to calculate your debt-to-income (DTI) ratio. A DTI ratio is one of the most basic methods len

Apr 17, 2019 | Credit Fixed Rate Mortgages Conventional Loans Preapproval

Can I Qualify for Down Payment Assistance?

Can I Qualify for Down Payment Assistance?

One of the biggest obstacles to homeownership is coming up with enough cash for a down payment. When your own savings are not adding up quickly enough and you don’t have a rich uncle to tap for an early inheritance, you may find some help in a down

Apr 10, 2019 | Purchasing a Home First-time Homebuyers

What is a 5/5 ARM?

What is a 5/5 ARM?

If you are familiar with adjustable-rate mortgages (ARMs), you have probably heard of the 5/1 ARM or even the 10/1 or 1/1 ARM. There is a newer ARM loan available that is growing in popularity: the 5/5. Here’s everything you need to know about this

Apr 03, 2019 | Adjustable Rate Mortgages

5 Ways to Save Money on Your Mortgage

5 Ways to Save Money on Your Mortgage

Mortgage interest rates have been near rock-bottom lows for many years but are likely to increase over the next few years. Even though you can no longer count on record low interest rates, there are plenty of things you can do to make sure you save money

Mar 27, 2019 | Mortgages Savings Credit

Best Time of the Year to Buy a Home

Best Time of the Year to Buy a Home

Whether you have been saving up for your first home or you are ready to upgrade to a bigger place, you may be wondering if there is a “best” time to buy a home. While it depends on your priorities and your local market, there are some general

Mar 20, 2019 | First-time Homebuyers Purchasing a Home