Apply Now
Schedule Call
Untitled Design 10 | Stairway Mortgage
Apply Now
Schedule Call
Untitled Design 10 | Stairway Mortgage
Untitled Design 10 | Stairway Mortgage
Untitled Design 10 | Stairway Mortgage

Architects & Designers

Where Creativity Meets Capital Gains

Get A Local Intro

Before You Build, Remodel, or Even Dream—Ask the Right Questions

  • Is your layout functional for you—and for the next buyer or tenant?
  • Will your design meet appraisal standards and boost property value?
  • Are you maximizing natural light, privacy, and flow—or creating expensive regrets?
  • How will your finishes and materials affect rental income or long-term maintenance?
  • Do you have a designer who collaborates with your lender—not just your vision? The right design isn’t just about style—it’s about strategy.

Why Design Matters in Wealth Building

  • Add bedrooms or baths without expanding the footprint
  • Improve appraisal comps with better layouts
  • Boost Airbnb appeal (and nightly rates) with thoughtful touches
  • Make rental units more livable = fewer vacancies = more income
  • Increase resale potential with features buyers actually want

Visual Equity Estimator: “Which of these design changes adds the most value?”

Interactive:

  • Add a bedroom
  • Open up kitchen/living
  • Convert garage to ADU
  • Add second bathroom

Result: “Adding a bedroom increases equity by $X on average.”
Want to see what works best in your zip code?

Get Connected

100% Client Satisfaction

Real Comments, Real People

Hear From Some Past Clients of Our Founder

Alexis Kulick E1742922763349 | Stairway Mortgage
Alexis Kulick - via Faceook Director of Digital Campaign at UBS - CALIFORNIA

Easy and quick refinance with great rates and expert advice.
I recently refinanced my existing mortgage with Jim and his team, and I was so pleased with how easy and quick the whole process was. Jim and his team were very responsive to my questions, and I feel confident that I got the best rate and shaved 9 years off my mortgage. He is very knowledgeable and helped me determine the best option for myself and my family. Definitely recommend him.

Julian Einfrank E1742922797847 | Stairway Mortgage
Julian Einfrank - via Facebook Sr. Wealth Advisor Clifton Larson Allen - ILLINOIS

Complex loan scenario handled with expertise and care.
The process went smoothly. Jim Blackburn is a lending saint. He knows the market well and cares about his clients tremendously. The team made it really easy to do business, uploading documents and getting forms signed. Our situation is a bit complex. Rather than turn us away for some added work, they dug in to get it done right. They like the complexity, whereas other lenders don’t want to roll up their sleeves. Highly recommend Jim Blackburn for new loans and refinances!

Elizabeth Torres | Stairway Mortgage
Elizabeth Torres - via Facebook Senior Branch Mgr. at JP Morgan Chase - ILLINOIS

Closed in time for Thanksgiving! Jim and his team were amazing, and we got a much better deal than previous lender.
We closed our loan within 19 days. Just in time for Thanksgiving!! Jim and his team are amazing! We initially had gone with a different loan office and the interest rate and down payment was ridiculous. The owner of the company where my husband works referred us to Jim and we are very grateful for that. We had such an amazing experience with Jim and his team! Since our transaction, we’ve been referring Jim to anyone we know that are thinking of purchasing a house.

Livermore David | Stairway Mortgage
David Livermore - via Google Founder Cultural Intelligence - CALIFORNIA

Secured financing despite market challenges and self-employment.
Run, don't walk to work with Jim and his team. Jim helped us get financing when it seemed like an impossible feat. It was hard enough to be managing a home purchase 2000 miles away, but add to that an extremely competitive market and being self-employed, and it seemed impossible until Jim's team got involved. Jim was not only responsive; he consistently went above and beyond by making clear recommendations, working his magic, and ensuring that financing wasn’t a barrier for buying our dream house in one of the most competitive markets in the country.

Christina Curva Carrasco E1742922902463 | Stairway Mortgage
Christina Curva Carrasco - via Facebook Owner at Curated Interiors - WASHINGTON DC

Smooth, fast, and hassle-free mortgage and refinance process.
Jim and his team are great to work with! We have used Jim twice with our home mortgage. Both times, the process was smooth and uneventful (which is what I wanted). He has kept in touch with us and contacted us when he felt it was the right time for us to refinance! I was amazed at our refinancing process – it took them about a little over two weeks to process all our information and close! I love the new online process of submitting all the information they require – it made it super easy for me to organize and gather all the documents.

Are You an Architect or Designer?

Great design is the foundation of a great home — and a great partnership.

We collaborate with architects and designers who value creativity, precision, and client alignment. Together, we help clients bring their vision to life with clarity, cohesion, and confidence from blueprint to closing.
Join Our Partner Network
Scroll to Top
Call Now Button