Most first-time buyers think they need 20% down to buy a home. That myth is costing people years. In this episode, Scott breaks down what your real minimum down payment options look like — FHA, Conventional, VA, USDA — with actual dollar amounts so you know exactly where you stand. He also explains PMI in plain English (including why it's not permanent), and covers down payment assistance programs that most buyers don't even know exist.

By the end of this episode, you'll know how much you actually need — and you might realize you're a lot closer to buying than you think.

What's covered:

• Where the 20% myth came from and why it no longer applies
• FHA loans: 3.5% down and what you need to qualify
• Conventional 97: 3% down options for first-time buyers
• VA and USDA loans: zero down programs and who qualifies
• PMI explained — what it costs and how to get rid of it
• Down payment assistance programs in Washington state
• A 3-question framework for figuring out your right number

Connect with Scott: Instagram: @SignedandFunded

Licensed Real Estate Broker | Lic #21035803 | Seattle, WA — eXp Realty

Licensed Loan Officer | NMLS# 2442831 — The One Brokerage

Most buyers think pre-qualification and pre-approval are basically the same thing. They're not — and in a competitive market like Seattle, that distinction can be the difference between winning the house and losing it. In this episode, Scott breaks down exactly what pre-approval means, what the process actually looks like, and what to avoid between getting approved and getting to the closing table.

What you'll learn:

• The real difference between pre-qualification and pre-approval (and why it matters to sellers)
• What a conditional approval is and why it's the strongest position you can be in
• Every document you'll need to gather before you apply
• How to shop multiple lenders without hurting your credit score
• What not to do between pre-approval and closing — and why even one mistake can unravel the deal

Next episode: Down Payments Demystified — You Don't Need 20%

Follow the show on Instagram: @SignedandFunded

Episode 4: The Seattle Market Right Now — What the Numbers Mean

The headlines say Seattle home prices are dropping and inventory is surging — but what does that actually mean for buyers and sellers? In this episode, Scott Alfano cuts through the noise and breaks down what's really happening in the Seattle housing market right now, what the data tells us, and how to position yourself whether you're buying, selling, or just trying to make sense of it all.

What you'll learn:

• Why the "prices are falling" headline is only part of the story
• What rising inventory actually means for your negotiating power
• How to tell the difference between a seller's market, a buyer's market, and where Seattle sits right now
• The three questions to ask about any market to understand who really has leverage
• Why right now might be a better window for buyers than most people realize

Key stats covered: Median home price ~$850K · Inventory up 23–36% YoY · ~21 days on market · Rates in the mid-6% range

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