Smart Homebuying
Starts Here

Confidently navigate your first or next purchase
with strategy, clarity, and expert guidance.
Begin My Preapproval

Beyond the Mortgage

At Stairway Mortgage, we believe the smartest buyers don’t just close deals—they plan futures. You deserve more than a preapproval and a generic rate. You need a full-circle game plan—one that factors in your financial future, family needs, investment potential, and market timing.

The real question isn’t “Can I buy a house?” — it’s “How can I buy wisely?”

Buying a home is a milestone—but it’s also one of the most important financial decisions you’ll ever make. Whether it’s your first purchase or your fifth, no two journeys are the same.

Are you planning for today—or 5 years from now?
Will this house meet your needs now and later? What’s your resale or rental plan if life changes?
Are you factoring in total cost—not just the mortgage?
Homeownership includes taxes, insurance, maintenance, future upgrades, and neighborhood trends. Have you run the full numbers?
Do you understand the tradeoffs between loan programs?
Conventional? FHA? VA? Down payment assistance? Which option offers the most long-term flexibility—not just the lowest upfront cost?
What’s your break-even point?
If you’re not staying long-term, how soon will your home appreciate enough to outweigh your closing costs?
Are you leaving equity or incentives on the table?
We see buyers miss out on tens of thousands in lender credits, seller incentives, or grant programs—because no one told them to ask.
Have you considered the full financial flow?
You may qualify to buy—but is now the smartest time based on your long-term financial picture?

“The smartest buyers are the ones who look at the financing first. You make money when you buy—not just when you sell.”

— A seasoned real estate investor

Top 5 Buyer Mistakes to Avoid

Waiting too long to get pre-approved
Choosing a loan based only on interest rate
Underestimating total costs
Ignoring resale or rental potential
Not having a long-term contingency plan
Get Preapproved Today

Download our free
First Time Homebuyer Guide

Packed with the most important questions and answers you didn’t know you needed.
Download Your Guide Now

From Application to Keys in Hand: 5 Key Steps

Get pre-approved and clarify your budget
Explore loan options and local market dynamics
Partner with a trusted realtor and advisor
Make a smart offer and complete inspections
Close with confidence and plan what’s next
Get My Preapproved Now

100% Client Satisfaction

Real Comments, Real People

Hear From Some Past Clients of Our Founder

Peter Brin

Fast and expert mortgage support for home buying and refinancing

We were blessed to buy a wonderful home because Jim and his team "made it happen"... in record timing! They were committed to ensuring the conditions were met (short closing period), which made the difference for our offer being accepted. That's why we have used Jim and his team twice for refinancing and once for a home purchase. But for Jim, I would have missed an opportunity to lower my rate by a full 1%! He reached out to let us know, provided the numbers and options for us, and guided us expertly through the process.

Peter Brin - via Google

Senior Software Developer at Sun Life Financial -
CONNECTICUT
Dayana Ruiz

Guidance through the purchase process with clear explanations

They worked with me on the purchase process. Their knowledge helped me to choose the option that was most convenient. From the beginning they explained the process. Thanks Jim!

Dayana Ruiz - via Facebook

Mortgage Loan Originator Columbus Capital Lending -
FLORIDA
Dennis Nikolaev

Investor-friendly lender who goes the extra mile

I'm an RE investor. Had multiple loan officers but one really stands out – JIM BLACKBURN. Now, he is working on a third deal with me. He does go the extra mile. A few examples from the past: I have tons of properties and live in China with unique income (he made it work!). He called me in China at 1 AM to get information to close the deal. He is super efficient with collecting the right documents upfront to avoid a lot of back and forth later with processors. You can't go wrong with Jim.

Dennis Nikolaev - Facebook

Studio Leader at APCE Dennis Studio -
CHINA

Discover the Goals That Drive Your Financial Journey

Buying a home is a big move — but what you do after matters even more.
Take the Discovery Quiz to clarify your long-term goals and make sure today’s home purchase sets the foundation for future wealth.
Take The Discovery Quiz Today