Overlake Medical Center & Clinics — a 349-bed nonprofit regional medical center at 1035 116th Avenue NE in Bellevue — is the Eastside’s flagship hospital and the first Level III Trauma Center on the east side of Lake Washington. Now part of MultiCare Health System, Overlake employs nearly 3,000 people, maintains more than 900 active providers across 76 specialty areas, and serves as a destination hospital for the rapidly growing Eastside population. Virginia Mason Franciscan Health and UW Medicine maintain Eastside clinics and specialty practices that add to Bellevue’s physician employment base, and the proximity to Microsoft, Amazon, and the technology sector has made Bellevue a destination for occupational medicine, concierge practices, and specialty care serving high-income professionals.
For a physician choosing to practice in Bellevue — whether joining Overlake’s expanding hospitalist program, a growing neuroscience or cardiology practice, or an independent Eastside medical group — the financing challenge is acute in a way that is specific to this market. Bellevue’s median home price is approximately $1.6 million. The neighborhoods most convenient to Overlake’s campus on 116th Avenue NE — Bridle Trails, NE Bellevue, Newport Hills, Somerset — trade at $1.5–3.5 million for established single-family homes. A physician arriving with $300,000 in student loan debt, a new employment contract, and limited down payment savings is navigating one of the most expensive residential markets in the Pacific Northwest.
Physician Mortgage programs are built precisely for this situation. No PMI at any down payment level. Student loan debt treated using actual income-based repayment figures rather than the 1% balance calculation that standard underwriting applies. Employment contracts accepted as income documentation — allowing qualification before the first paycheck. Loan amounts that match what Bellevue actually requires. I work with physicians at every career stage in the Bellevue and Eastside market using programs designed for how physicians actually earn and borrow.
No PMI regardless of down payment. In a market where homes routinely trade at $1.5–2 million, PMI on a sub-20% down payment represents a significant monthly cost — often $1,000–2,000 per month or more. Physician programs eliminate this requirement entirely.
Student loan treatment that reflects real payments. Standard underwriting treats medical school debt at 1% of the balance per month regardless of actual payment status — a calculation that can disqualify physicians with $300,000+ in student debt from qualifying for the loans Bellevue requires. Physician programs use actual IBR/PAYE payment amounts, dramatically expanding qualifying power in a high-cost market.
New employment contracts accepted. A physician joining Overlake Medical Center, a Bellevue specialty practice, or a tech-sector occupational medicine group can qualify based on an executed offer letter or contract, without waiting for the first paycheck. Closes up to 90-120 days before a start date are available through select programs.
Loan amounts that match Bellevue. Physician programs commonly allow financing to $1.5–2 million or more — loan sizes that cover most of Bellevue's single-family home market. Physician Jumbo programs extend this further for buyers targeting West Bellevue, Enatai, or other premium neighborhoods.
Flexibility on debt-to-income ratios. Physician loan underwriting allows for higher DTI ceilings, recognizing the earning trajectory and employment stability of the borrower profile.
Medical doctors (MD) and doctors of osteopathic medicine (DO)
Dentists (DDS, DMD)
Veterinarians (DVM)
Optometrists (OD)
Podiatrists (DPM)
Pharmacists (PharmD) — eligible with select lenders
Physician assistants (PA-C) and nurse practitioners (APRN) — eligible with select lenders
Residents and fellows in training programs
Eligibility varies by lender. I can identify which programs accept your specific designation and match you to the best available terms.
0-5% down with no PMI for qualifying healthcare professionals
Student loan treatment based on actual IBR/PAYE payments
New employment contracts accepted — no first paycheck required
For properties at or below King County's $1,063,750 conforming limit — downtown condos, select townhomes, and some entry-level Eastside properties
Physician program terms extended to loan amounts above $1,063,750
Covers the Bridle Trails, NE Bellevue, Somerset, and other Eastside neighborhoods where Overlake-area physicians most commonly purchase
No PMI maintained at Jumbo loan amounts for qualifying borrowers
The most commonly used physician financing tool in Bellevue given the city's price points
Physician terms applied to new construction financing in Bellevue and throughout King County's Eastside
Single closing before construction begins; rate locked through the build
Automatic conversion to permanent financing at completion
Specialized experience with Physician Mortgage programs for buyers at all career stages in Bellevue's high-cost market — residents, new attendings, and established practitioners
Familiarity with Overlake Medical Center & Clinics, Virginia Mason Franciscan Health Eastside facilities, and the broader Eastside healthcare employment network
Physician Jumbo programs that match Bellevue's price points — the standard product needed for most Eastside single-family home purchases
Guidance on new employment contract qualification for physicians relocating to Bellevue and the Eastside
Fast, transparent approvals with direct lender relationships
20+ years of experience — NMLS #235295
Healthcare Professional Designation — MD, DO, DDS, DMD, DVM, OD, DPM, PharmD, PA-C, or APRN. Resident and fellow status accepted.
Employment Documentation — Executed employment contract, hospital credentialing letter, or current W-2/pay stubs accepted depending on career stage.
Credit Profile — Strong credit history expected (typically 700+), with flexibility for physicians whose credit file is thin due to years in training.
Student Loan Status — Student loans in deferment, forbearance, or on income-based repayment are handled under physician program guidelines — not the 1% balance calculation used in standard underwriting.
Pre-Qualification — Review your designation, employment status, student loans, and target property or neighborhood.
Program Selection — Identify the best Physician Mortgage program for your career stage, loan size, and Bellevue neighborhood target.
Application & Underwriting — Efficient process for physician borrowers; contract-based qualification where applicable.
Approval & Closing — Typically 30-45 days for resale properties; construction timelines accommodated.
Funding — Move into your Bellevue home with confidence.
Yes — and in Bellevue, Physician Jumbo is typically the necessary program rather than the exception. Single-family homes near Overlake Medical Center routinely require loans of $1.1–2 million, which is firmly in Jumbo territory. My lender network includes Physician Jumbo programs that maintain no-PMI and student loan flexibility at these loan sizes.
Yes. Physician programs allow qualification based on an executed employment offer letter or contract. Your start date does not need to have passed. I work with physicians in exactly this situation regularly, and the pre-approval process can typically be completed quickly enough to support competitive offer timelines.
Yes. Physician programs accept residents and fellows — qualification is based on your executed contract, not attending-level income. Given Bellevue's price points, residents typically benefit most from the Physician Jumbo program's higher loan limits and the no-PMI benefit.
Ready to finance your Bellevue home with a program designed for your career? Let’s talk through your situation.
Originally from Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, I moved to Phoenix to attend Arizona State University and have proudly called Phoenix home ever since.
My journey into the mortgage industry began with a friend’s encouragement, who saw how my energy and people-first mindset could make a difference. He was right — I found my calling.
I’ve always embraced what makes me different. With ADHD as my secret weapon, I thrive in fast-paced, detail-heavy environments. I’ve built my career on clear communication, creative problem-solving, and putting clients first, always.
Outside of work, my greatest motivation is my wife and three amazing kids. I’d be honored to help guide you through your lending journey with care, clarity, and commitment.
Who we are
Our website address is: https://loansbylehrman.com/
Embedded content from other websites
Articles on this site may include embedded content (e.g. videos, images, articles, etc.). Embedded content from other websites behaves in the exact same way as if the visitor has visited the other website.
These websites may collect data about you, use cookies, embed additional third-party tracking, and monitor your interaction with that embedded content, including tracking your interaction with the embedded content if you have an account and are logged in to that website.
SMS Privacy
I respect your privacy. I will not share or use your mobile number for any other purpose. I will only use information you provide to transmit text messages. Nonetheless, I reserve the right at all times to disclose any information as necessary to satisfy any law, regulation or governmental request, to avoid liability, or to protect my rights or property. When you complete forms online or otherwise provide me information in connection with the Service, you agree to provide accurate, complete and true information. You agree not to use a false or misleading name or a name that you are not authorized to use. If I, in my sole discretion, believe that any such information is untrue, inaccurate or incomplete, I may refuse you access to the Service and pursue any appropriate legal remedies.
Analytics tracking
Our website uses analytics tools such as Google Analytics to better understand how visitors interact with our site. These tools collect data through cookies and similar technologies, including information about on-site activity and, in some cases, IP addresses. We use this data to improve user experience, monitor performance, and track conversions. Visitors who prefer not to be tracked can opt out by using the Google Analytics opt-out browser add-on or other available opt-out methods.
