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Glenn Hoch, MLO-71716 at Barrett Financial

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Glenn Hoch shops dozens of lenders to find the mortgage that fits your life — whether you are buying your first home, upgrading, or refinancing.

Whether you are buying your first home or your fifth, we have the right mortgage solution for you

A simple, guided process from application to keys in hand

I've been working with Glenn for several years as a trusted mortgage broker. I'm always incredibly impressed with his industry knowledge, his honesty, and when the time comes to go through the loan process, the speed and responsiveness both him and his team deliver. Beyond being extremely competitive in rates offered, Glenn and team go above and beyond in how they treat clients. Our last transaction was a refinance on our primary home. It was seamless, we secured a much better rate, and there were no hidden costs, etc. It was truly a pretty stress free and easy process :)

Joshua P.

Repeat Purchase and Refinance Client

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} className="w-full px-5 py-2.5 rounded-full text-white text-sm font-semibold" style= >Get Started )} Glenn Hoch • NMLS# • Licensed Mortgage Professional 1592 Main St. Suite A-1 • Freeland, WA 98249 Barrett Financial • NMLS# 181106 Find Your Perfect Home Loan Glenn Hoch shops dozens of lenders to find the mortgage that fits your life — whether you are buying your first home, upgrading, or refinancing. Independent Broker — Multiple Lenders Apply Now
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I've been helping people navigate the mortgage process for 27 years, but my real education started long before that.

I grew up in Sacramento, CA and earned my Eagle Scout as a kid. That taught me early lessons about treating people with honesty and respect. I also spent 15 years as a police officer and firefighter, and those experiences taught me something critical: when people are going through stressful situations, they need someone who stays calm, tells them the truth, and walks them through it step by step.

That's exactly what I bring to mortgage lending. Over nearly three decades in this business, I've seen every kind of market. What I've learned is that behind every loan application is a family making one of the biggest decisions of their lives. My job isn't just to process paperwork. It's to help you understand your options, and make confident choices.

When not working with clients, I'm spending time with family. Wife, 5 kids, and 15 grandkids!! I also enjoy riding my Goldwing, and going to any classic rock concert that I can.

If you're ready to work with someone who's been around long enough to know what they're doing and still cares enough to make your experience a good one, let's talk!

Ready to take the next step? Reach out for a free consultation and personalized rate quote.

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Your Gateway to Homeownership

Achieve your dream of homeownership with as little as 3.5% down. FHA loans offer flexible credit requirements and government backing, making them perfect for first-time homebuyers.

FHA loans are mortgages insured by the Federal Housing Administration, designed to make homeownership more accessible. These government-backed loans offer lower down payments, flexible credit requirements, and are especially beneficial for first-time homebuyers.

Get personalized FHA loan options with no impact to your credit score.

FHA loans have more flexible requirements than conventional loans, making homeownership accessible to more people.

*Subject to AUS Approval. Ratios may vary by lender.

FHA loan limits vary by area. Select a region to see current limits.

Let us help you navigate the FHA loan process and find the perfect home financing solution.

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For Our Heroes

Honor your service with VA home loans designed for veterans, active military, and eligible spouses. $0 down payment, no PMI, and competitive rates to help you secure the home you have earned.

VA loans are mortgage loans guaranteed by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. They are available to eligible veterans, active-duty service members, and surviving spouses. VA loans are one of the most powerful home financing tools available.

Find out if you qualify for VA loan benefits with no obligation.

VA loans have no loan limit for borrowers with full entitlement. County limits apply for those with partial entitlement.

Let us help you use the VA benefits you have earned to find the perfect home.

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Traditional Financing with Competitive Rates

The most popular mortgage option offering competitive rates, flexible terms, and no government backing required. Ideal for borrowers with good credit and stable income.

Conventional loans are mortgages not insured or guaranteed by a government agency. They are offered by private lenders and typically follow guidelines set by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, making them the most common type of home loan.

See if you qualify with no impact to your credit score.

Understanding loan limits helps determine which conventional loan type fits your purchase.

Explore your conventional loan options and find the perfect financing solution for your home.

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Zero Down Payment Rural Home Loans

Get 100% financing in eligible rural and suburban areas. USDA loans offer zero down payment, low mortgage insurance rates, and flexible credit requirements for moderate-income homebuyers.

USDA loans are government-backed mortgages offered through the U.S. Department of Agriculture Rural Development program. They provide 100% financing for eligible rural and suburban homebuyers with moderate incomes.

See if you qualify with no impact to your credit score.

USDA loans do not have maximum loan amounts, but income limits apply.

Find out if your desired area qualifies for USDA financing. We will help you every step of the way.

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Financing for Luxury & High-Value Properties

Need a mortgage that exceeds conforming loan limits? Jumbo loans provide financing for high-value properties with competitive rates and flexible terms for well-qualified borrowers.

Jumbo loans are mortgages that exceed the conforming loan limits set by the FHFA. These loans are not eligible for purchase by Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac, so they are offered directly by lenders with their own underwriting guidelines.

See if you qualify with no impact to your credit score.

Jumbo loans come in different tiers based on loan amount.

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10 Essential Tips for First-Time Homebuyers in 2026

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Market insights and mortgage tips from Glenn Hoch

Buying your first home is one of life's most significant milestones. From credit scores to closing costs, this comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know to navigate the homebuying process with confidence in today's market.

March 16, 2026 • 8 min read

First-Time Buyer's Guide

10 Essential Tips for First-Time Homebuyers in 2026

Start with Your Credit Score

Get Pre-Approved, Not Just Pre-Qualified

Understand the True Cost of Homeownership

Explore First-Time Buyer Programs

Choose the Right Real Estate Agent

Don't Skip the Home Inspection

Budget for Closing Costs

Keep Your Finances Stable During the Process

Think Long-Term About Your Needs

Build Your Homebuying Team Early

The Bottom Line

Ready to Start Your Homebuying Journey?

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Buying your first home is one of life's most significant milestones—exciting, nerve-wracking, and potentially overwhelming all at once. With interest rates, market conditions, and lending requirements constantly evolving, navigating the homebuying process in 2026 requires careful preparation and the right guidance.

Whether you're just starting to think about homeownership or you're ready to make an offer tomorrow, these ten essential tips will help you approach the process with confidence and avoid common pitfalls that trip up first-time buyers.

Your credit score is the foundation of your mortgage application. Before you start house hunting, pull your credit reports from all three bureaus (Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion) and review them for errors. In 2026, most conventional loans require a minimum score of 620, but FHA loans may accept scores as low as 580 with a larger down payment. If your score needs work, spend 3-6 months paying down credit card balances and avoiding new credit inquiries. Even a 20-point improvement can save you thousands over the life of your loan.

There's a crucial difference between pre-qualification and pre-approval. Pre-qualification is an informal estimate based on self-reported information. Pre-approval involves a lender reviewing your actual financial documents—W-2s, tax returns, bank statements, and credit report—to determine exactly how much you can borrow. In today's competitive market, sellers won't take your offer seriously without a pre-approval letter. Plus, knowing your exact budget prevents the heartbreak of falling in love with homes you can't afford.

Your monthly mortgage payment is just the beginning. Many first-time buyers underestimate the total cost of owning a home. Beyond principal and interest, you'll pay property taxes, homeowners insurance, private mortgage insurance (PMI) if your down payment is less than 20%, HOA fees in many communities, and maintenance costs. A good rule of thumb: budget 1-3% of your home's value annually for maintenance and repairs. When calculating affordability, your total housing costs shouldn't exceed 28-30% of your gross monthly income.

You don't need 20% down to buy a home—despite what you might have heard. FHA loans require as little as 3.5% down, and some conventional loan programs allow 3% down for first-time buyers. VA loans offer 0% down for eligible veterans and active-duty military. USDA loans provide 100% financing in eligible rural areas. Many states and municipalities also offer down payment assistance programs, grants, and tax credits specifically for first-time buyers. These programs can save you thousands and make homeownership accessible years sooner.

A great agent is worth their weight in gold, especially for first-time buyers. Look for an agent who specializes in working with first-time buyers, knows your target neighborhoods intimately, and communicates in your preferred style. Ask potential agents how many first-time buyers they've helped in the past year and what challenges they've helped clients overcome. Don't be afraid to interview multiple agents—this is likely the largest purchase you'll ever make, and you deserve someone who will advocate fiercely for your interests.

In competitive markets, some buyers waive inspections to make their offers more attractive. This is extremely risky, especially for first-time buyers. A professional home inspection typically costs $300-500 but can reveal issues that cost tens of thousands to repair—foundation problems, roof damage, electrical hazards, plumbing issues, or mold. Attend the inspection if possible, ask questions, and use the report to negotiate repairs or price reductions. If major issues are discovered, you have the option to walk away from the deal during your inspection contingency period.

Many first-time buyers focus entirely on the down payment and forget about closing costs. These typically range from 2-5% of the loan amount and include lender fees, appraisal fees, title insurance, attorney fees, prepaid property taxes and insurance, and more. On a $400,000 home, you could pay $8,000-20,000 in closing costs. Some lenders offer "no closing cost" mortgages, but these typically come with higher interest rates. A better option: negotiate with the seller to cover some or all closing costs, or look for down payment assistance programs that also help with closing costs.

Once you're pre-approved, avoid making any major financial changes until after closing. Don't open new credit cards, take out car loans, or make large purchases on existing credit. Don't change jobs if you can help it—lenders want to see stable employment. Even moving large amounts of money between accounts can raise red flags and delay your closing. Lenders will check your credit and verify your employment one more time right before closing. Any significant changes could derail your approval at the last minute.

Buy for the life you plan to have, not just the life you have now. Are you planning to start a family? Will you need a home office permanently? How long do you plan to stay in this home? If you might move within 2-3 years, buying might not make financial sense due to closing costs and market volatility. Look for homes that can grow with you—bonus rooms that can become bedrooms, yards with space for additions, or neighborhoods with good schools even if you don't have kids yet. The average homeowner stays in their home for 13 years, so think beyond your immediate needs.

Successful homebuying requires a team of professionals working together. Start building your team before you start looking at homes: a knowledgeable loan officer who can guide you through financing options, a responsive real estate agent who understands your priorities, a reputable home inspector, and a real estate attorney (required in some states). Having these relationships established before you find "the one" means you can move quickly when the right home comes along—crucial in competitive markets. Don't wait until you're emotionally invested in a home to start assembling your team.

Buying your first home is a journey that requires preparation, patience, and the right support system. By following these ten tips—improving your credit, getting pre-approved, understanding true costs, exploring assistance programs, choosing the right professionals, and thinking long-term—you'll position yourself for success in any market.

Remember: homeownership is a marathon, not a sprint. Take the time to educate yourself, ask questions, and make decisions that align with your financial goals and lifestyle needs. The right home is worth waiting for, and with proper preparation, you'll be holding those keys sooner than you think.

I'm here to guide you through every step of the mortgage process. From pre-approval to closing, I'll help you find the perfect loan program for your unique situation.

Making homeownership feel welcoming and achievable for everyone.

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)} ← Back to Blog First-Time Buyers Home Buying Guide 10 Essential Tips for First-Time Homebuyers in 2026 March 16, 2026 • 8 min read • By Glenn Hoch Buying your first home is one of life's most significant milestones—exciting, nerve-wracking, and potentially overwhelming all at once. With interest rates, market conditions, and lending requirements constantly evolving, navigating the homebuying process in 2026 requires careful preparation and the right guidance. Whether you're just starting to think about homeownership or you're ready to make an offer tomorrow, these ten essential tips will help you approach the process with confidence and avoid common pitfalls that trip up first-time buyers. 1 Start with Your Credit Score Your credit score is the foundation of your mortgage application. Before you start house hunting, pull your credit reports from all three bureaus (Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion) and review them for errors. In 2026, most conventional loans require a minimum score of 620, but FHA loans may accept scores as low as 580 with a larger down payment. If your score needs work, spend 3-6 months paying down credit card balances and avoiding new credit inquiries. Even a 20-point improvement can save you thousands over the life of your loan. 2 Get Pre-Approved, Not Just Pre-Qualified There's a crucial difference between pre-qualification and pre-approval. Pre-qualification is an informal estimate based on self-reported information. Pre-approval involves a lender reviewing your actual financial documents—W-2s, tax returns, bank statements, and credit report—to determine exactly how much you can borrow. In today's competitive market, sellers won't take your offer seriously without a pre-approval letter. Plus, knowing your exact budget prevents the heartbreak of falling in love with homes you can't afford. 3 Understand the True Cost of Homeownership Your monthly mortgage payment is just the beginning. Many first-time buyers underestimate the total cost of owning a home. Beyond principal and interest, you'll pay property taxes, homeowners insurance, private mortgage insurance (PMI) if your down payment is less than 20%, HOA fees in many communities, and maintenance costs. A good rule of thumb: budget 1-3% of your home's value annually for maintenance and repairs. When calculating affordability, your total housing costs shouldn't exceed 28-30% of your gross monthly income. 4 Explore First-Time Buyer Programs You don't need 20% down to buy a home—despite what you might have heard. FHA loans require as little as 3.5% down, and some conventional loan programs allow 3% down for first-time buyers. VA loans offer 0% down for eligible veterans and active-duty military. USDA loans provide 100% financing in eligible rural areas. Many states and municipalities also offer down payment assistance programs, grants, and tax credits specifically for first-time buyers. These programs can save you thousands and make homeownership accessible years sooner. 5 Choose the Right Real Estate Agent A great agent is worth their weight in gold, especially for first-time buyers. Look for an agent who specializes in working with first-time buyers, knows your target neighborhoods intimately, and communicates in your preferred style. Ask potential agents how many first-time buyers they've helped in the past year and what challenges they've helped clients overcome. Don't be afraid to interview multiple agents—this is likely the largest purchase you'll ever make, and you deserve someone who will advocate fiercely for your interests. 6 Don't Skip the Home Inspection In competitive markets, some buyers waive inspections to make their offers more attractive. This is extremely risky, especially for first-time buyers. A professional home inspection typically costs $300-500 but can reveal issues that cost tens of thousands to repair—foundation problems, roof damage, electrical hazards, plumbing issues, or mold. Attend the inspection if possible, ask questions, and use the report to negotiate repairs or price reductions. If major issues are discovered, you have the option to walk away from the deal during your inspection contingency period. 7 Budget for Closing Costs Many first-time buyers focus entirely on the down payment and forget about closing costs. These typically range from 2-5% of the loan amount and include lender fees, appraisal fees, title insurance, attorney fees, prepaid property taxes and insurance, and more. On a $400,000 home, you could pay $8,000-20,000 in closing costs. Some lenders offer "no closing cost" mortgages, but these typically come with higher interest rates. A better option: negotiate with the seller to cover some or all closing costs, or look for down payment assistance programs that also help with closing costs. 8 Keep Your Finances Stable During the Process Once you're pre-approved, avoid making any major financial changes until after closing. Don't open new credit cards, take out car loans, or make large purchases on existing credit. Don't change jobs if you can help it—lenders want to see stable employment. Even moving large amounts of money between accounts can raise red flags and delay your closing. Lenders will check your credit and verify your employment one more time right before closing. Any significant changes could derail your approval at the last minute. 9 Think Long-Term About Your Needs Buy for the life you plan to have, not just the life you have now. Are you planning to start a family? Will you need a home office permanently? How long do you plan to stay in this home? If you might move within 2-3 years, buying might not make financial sense due to closing costs and market volatility. Look for homes that can grow with you—bonus rooms that can become bedrooms, yards with space for additions, or neighborhoods with good schools even if you don't have kids yet. The average homeowner stays in their home for 13 years, so think beyond your immediate needs. 10 Build Your Homebuying Team Early Successful homebuying requires a team of professionals working together. Start building your team before you start looking at homes: a knowledgeable loan officer who can guide you through financing options, a responsive real estate agent who understands your priorities, a reputable home inspector, and a real estate attorney (required in some states). Having these relationships established before you find "the one" means you can move quickly when the right home comes along—crucial in competitive markets. Don't wait until you're emotionally invested in a home to start assembling your team. The Bottom Line Buying your first home is a journey that requires preparation, patience, and the right support system. By following these ten tips—improving your credit, getting pre-approved, understanding true costs, exploring assistance programs, choosing the right professionals, and thinking long-term—you'll position yourself for success in any market. Remember: homeownership is a marathon, not a sprint. Take the time to educate yourself, ask questions, and make decisions that align with your financial goals and lifestyle needs. The right home is worth waiting for, and with proper preparation, you'll be holding those keys sooner than you think. Ready to Start Your Homebuying Journey? I'm here to guide you through every step of the mortgage process. From pre-approval to closing, I'll help you find the perfect loan program for your unique situation. Contact Me Today <a href="https: Get Pre-Approved Now
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Whidbey Island offers the perfect blend of small-town charm, stunning natural beauty, and a welcoming community. Discover why so many families are calling this island home.

From the bustling energy of Oak Harbor to the quiet retreats of South Whidbey, each area offers its own unique character.

Whether you're an outdoor enthusiast, a foodie, or just looking to relax, Whidbey has something for everyone.

As a longtime island resident and mortgage professional with 27+ years of experience, I understand the unique aspects of buying a home on Whidbey — from ferry commute considerations to VA loans for military families.

Glenn Hoch

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Whether you're military, relocating, or looking for your island retreat, I'm here to help you navigate the home buying process with confidence.

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