Welcome to the Spokane Homebuyer Podcast, your trusted source for expert mortgage advice and real estate insights in the Inland Northwest. Hosted by Mike Hogan, a seasoned local mortgage professional with Chimney Rock Mortgage and Synergy One Lending, this podcast is dedicated to helping you navigate the path to homeownership with confidence.
Each episode covers essential topics for first-time buyers, seasoned investors, and anyone interested in the Spokane housing market. From understanding loan programs and down payment assistance to exploring creative financing solutions and the latest industry technology, Mike breaks down complex concepts into clear, actionable information.
Whether you’re just starting your home search, looking to refinance, or curious about unique lending options, the Spokane Homebuyer Podcast delivers the knowledge and resources you need—all with a local touch. Tune in for practical tips, expert interviews, and answers to your most pressing mortgage questions.
Ready to open the door to your next home? Subscribe today and join Mike Hogan on your journey to homeownership in Spokane!
We talk about one of the most common questions homeowners ask when rates start moving: “Should I refinance now… or wait, because rates might get better?”
And here’s the twist: waiting can absolutely pay off… but it can also quietly cost you money every single month you delay.
So in this episode, I’m going to break down the cost of waiting to refinance your mortgage using a simple real-world example, and I’ll give you a clean way to think about the decision without guessing or getting lost in the headlines.
27 Jan 2026
5 Year mortgage Rate Projections
A lot of long-range forecasts tie mortgage rates to the 10-year Treasury, because they usually move in the same direction. Most economists are projecting the 10-year Treasury to stay a little over 4% over the next several years, and mortgage rates typically run a spread above that. When you combine those two, the expectation is that 30-year fixed rates may hover around the low-to-mid 6% range over the next five years, rather than dropping dramatically.
Now, that’s not a guarantee, because rates can change quickly if the economy shifts, inflation changes, or there’s a major event like a recession. But the big takeaway is: waiting for a perfect rate can be risky. If the home and payment make sense today, the strategy is often to negotiate the best terms possible now and stay positioned to refinance later if rates improve.
21 Jan 2026
Buying a Second Home and use it as a short term rental
This episode explains how buying a second home can be both a lifestyle upgrade and a long-term wealth strategy. It walks through the idea of using the home part-time while renting it out as a short-term rental when you are not there, which can help offset the monthly cost of ownership and, over time, contribute to building net worth through equity growth and potential appreciation.
7 Jan 2026
Buying a Home is not like Buying a Car
Today we’re breaking down a question a lot of people don’t realize they’re asking until they’re in the middle of it: why can you buy a car in a day, but buying a house can take weeks? They’re both big purchases, they both use financing, and they both involve a lender, so what’s the difference? Let’s walk through it in plain English, and by the end you’ll know why getting pre-approved before home shopping is one of the smartest moves you can make.
5 Dec 2025
Buying vs Renting
Are you renting and wondering if buying a home is the right move? In this episode, Mike Hogan breaks down the financial advantages of homeownership, including tax benefits, building wealth through equity, and the freedom to make your home your own. Learn how your monthly payment can be similar to rent—and how, with down payment assistance and seller-paid closing costs, you might need less cash to buy than to rent. Tune in for practical insights and tips to help you decide if it’s time to make the leap from renter to homeowner.
25 Nov 2025
DSCR Loans and Gift
In this episode of Real Estate Lending Insights, host Mike Hogan breaks down everything you need to know about DSCR (Debt Service Coverage Ratio) loans—one of the most powerful and flexible financing tools for real estate investors. Mike explains what DSCR loans are, how they work, and why they’re a game-changer for building your rental property portfolio.
The episode takes a deep dive into the use of gift funds for DSCR loans, including the latest guidelines from top investors like Onslow, E Resi, and Goldman Sachs Non-QM. Learn the universal rules for using gift funds, how much you need to contribute from your own assets, and how these options can help you minimize your out-of-pocket expenses.
Whether you’re a seasoned investor or just getting started, this episode is packed with actionable insights to help you structure your next DSCR loan and maximize your investment opportunities.
21 Nov 2025
Understanding Private Mortgage Insurance: Why It Matters When You Buy a Home
In this episode of “Home Finance Unlocked,” host Mike Hogan breaks down the essentials of Private Mortgage Insurance (PMI) and why it’s a key part of the homebuying process for many borrowers. If you’re planning to buy a home with less than 20% down, you’ll likely need some form of mortgage insurance—regardless of your loan type. Mike explains what PMI is, why lenders require it, when it comes into play, and the surprising benefits it can offer to homebuyers. He also clarifies that while this episode focuses on PMI for conventional loans, future episodes will cover mortgage insurance for FHA, VA, and USDA loans. Whether you’re a first-time buyer or just want to better understand your mortgage options, this episode will give you the knowledge you need to make informed decisions on your path to homeownership.
16 Nov 2025
Where to start to buy a home
Thinking about buying a home in Spokane? In this episode of the Spokane Homebuyer Podcast, local mortgage expert Mike Hogan explains why getting pre-approved is the essential first step in your homebuying journey. Learn what a pre-approval is, why it matters, and how it can give you a competitive edge in today’s market. Mike walks you through the simple steps to get pre-approved, what documents you’ll need, and how this process sets you up for success when you’re ready to make an offer. Whether you’re a first-time buyer or just need a refresher, this episode will help you start your home search with confidence. For questions or to get started, reach out to Mike by phone or text at (509) 280-8173.
16 Nov 2025
Debt to Income Ratio Explained
In this episode, we’re breaking down one of the most important—and often misunderstood—factors in qualifying for a mortgage: your Debt-to-Income Ratio (DTI). We’ll explain what DTI is, why lenders care about it, and how it impacts your ability to get approved for a home loan. You’ll learn how to calculate your own DTI, what the ideal ratios are for different loan types, and strategies to improve your DTI before you apply for a mortgage.
Whether you’re just starting to explore your options or you’re getting ready to submit a loan application, The Spokane Home Buyer Podcast is here to help you understand the numbers and set yourself up for success. Tune in for straightforward explanations, actionable tips, and the latest updates to help you achieve your homeownership goals.
Subscribe now and get the knowledge you need to make your home buying journey a success!
16 Nov 2025
Down Payment Assistance
In this episode, we’re shining a spotlight on the Washington State Housing Finance Commission (WSHFC) down payment assistance programs. We’ll explain how these programs work, who qualifies, and how they can help you overcome one of the biggest hurdles to buying a home—saving for a down payment. You’ll learn about the different types of assistance available, the application process, and important requirements like the mandatory home inspection.
Whether you’re just starting to dream about homeownership or you’re ready to take the next step, The Spokane Home Buyer Podcast is here to guide you through every stage of the process. Tune in for clear explanations, actionable advice, and the latest updates to help you make informed decisions and achieve your homeownership goals.
Subscribe now and discover how WSHFC down payment assistance can help you open the door to your new home!
16 Nov 2025
Home Loan Products
In this episode, we’re focusing on traditional loan products—including conventional, FHA, VA, and USDA loans. We’ll break down what each loan type offers, who qualifies, and how to choose the best option for your unique situation. You’ll learn about credit requirements, down payment options, interest rates, and the step-by-step process of securing a traditional mortgage.
Whether you’re just starting to explore your options or you’re ready to make an offer, The Spokane Home Buyer Podcast is here to guide you every step of the way. Tune in for clear explanations, real-world tips, and the latest updates to help you achieve your homeownership goals.
Subscribe now and get the edge you need to buy your next home with confidence!
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