At the very top of Seattle’s real estate market, properties exist that have no parallel in the Pacific Northwest — Laurelhurst lakefront estates with private docks on Lake Washington, fully custom builds on bluff-top parcels in Magnolia overlooking Puget Sound and the Olympic Mountains, and architect-designed homes in Windermere and Madison Park where the setting and craftsmanship combine to push total value well above $3 million. This is the tier where portfolio lending is the only option: no Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac framework applies, the lender underwrites on its own book, and the transaction is driven by a complete, nuanced view of the borrower’s financial profile.
I work with the portfolio lender relationships and the Seattle market knowledge needed to serve buyers at this level — with the discretion that high-value transactions require.
Super-Jumbo mortgages typically begin at $3 million. Above this threshold, every deal is portfolio lending — each institution sets its own guidelines, and the right lender match depends on the specific combination of borrower profile and property type. What works for a tech executive purchasing a Laurelhurst lakefront estate may be a different program entirely than what serves a retired business owner building a custom home on a Magnolia bluff parcel. Finding the right match is the defining work at this tier.
Key Features:
Loan amounts from $3 million and above
Portfolio lending — no Fannie/Freddie constraints
Asset-based and asset depletion income programs
Alternative documentation for self-employed and complex-income borrowers
Primary residences, second homes, and vacation properties
Pacific Northwest luxury property experience
Discreet, high-touch service throughout
For Laurelhurst, Windermere, Madison Park, and other King County lakefront and waterfront properties
Portfolio lenders with experience in Seattle luxury and waterfront real estate
Flexible reserve structures for executives, retirees, and asset-rich buyers
Primary and second home programs
Qualifying income calculated from investable assets rather than W-2 earnings
Designed for retirees and high-net-worth buyers whose wealth is held in portfolios rather than current employment income
A primary tool for the significant segment of Seattle super-jumbo buyers who have retired early or sold businesses and technology companies
Tailored structures for buyers with substantial RSU vesting schedules, stock options, and deferred compensation from Amazon, Microsoft, Google, and other major Puget Sound tech employers
Documentation structures suited to the complex income profiles of Seattle's technology sector leadership
Bridge-to-purchase options for buyers whose prior equity event has not yet settled
For fully custom builds on Magnolia bluff parcels, Lake Washington-adjacent lots, and estate-scale sites throughout King County
Rate locked at origination through the full build window
Single closing, no re-qualification at completion
Laurelhurst Lakefront — Seattle's most sought-after waterfront address. Laurelhurst sits on the western shore of Lake Washington with private beach access, mature tree canopy, and a residential character defined by longtime ownership and very limited turnover. Lakefront properties with private docks represent the apex of Seattle residential real estate, with values that regularly reach $4–8 million and beyond for the most significant estates. Proximity to UW Medical Center and Seattle Children's Hospital adds to the neighborhood's long-term appeal for high-earning medical professionals.
Magnolia Bluff and Waterfront — The western and northern edges of the Magnolia peninsula offer Puget Sound views, Elliott Bay sight lines, and proximity to Discovery Park's 534 acres of forest, trails, and shoreline. Bluff-top properties with unobstructed water and mountain views are among the most dramatic residential settings in King County. Custom builds and renovated estates here reach well into the super-jumbo tier for the most exceptional properties.
Windermere and Sand Point — Northeast Seattle's lakeside neighborhoods, anchored by private beach access on Lake Washington and large residential parcels. Windermere in particular is known for architectural diversity and properties that have held and grown value through multiple market cycles. Upper-tier estates here regularly reach $3–5 million.
Madison Park — One of Seattle's most quietly prestigious neighborhoods, with direct lake access, established residential character, and the kind of limited inventory that supports sustained value at the top tier. Significant single-family estates here trade above $3 million for the most exceptional properties.
Direct relationships with portfolio lenders who understand Seattle luxury real estate, lakefront and waterfront property valuation, and King County's high-cost market
Experience with the buyer profiles most common at Seattle's super-jumbo tier — tech executives, retirees with investment portfolios, self-employed professionals, and asset-rich buyers with complex income documentation
Asset depletion and asset-based income programs for buyers whose wealth is in portfolios rather than current employment
Discretion and personalized service throughout the process
Single point of contact from pre-qualification through closing
20+ years of experience — NMLS #235295
Substantial Net Worth — Portfolio lenders evaluate the complete financial picture. Net worth relative to loan size, liquidity, and post-close reserves are all central to underwriting.
Post-Close Reserves — 12 to 24 months of PITI in liquid or near-liquid assets is typical at the $3M+ tier.
Income Documentation — Retired buyers and high-net-worth individuals with investment income benefit significantly from asset depletion programs. Tech executives use RSU documentation, grant schedules, and tax returns. Self-employed buyers and business owners use CPA letters, P&L statements, and business bank statements.
Property Approval — Lakefront real estate, bluff-top view properties, and large-parcel custom builds require lenders experienced with these property types and Seattle's unique geography.
Initial Consultation — A private conversation about your financial profile, target property, and timeline.
Lender Matching — I identify the right portfolio lender from my network based on your profile and property type.
Documentation & Underwriting — Thorough review, guided throughout by a single point of contact.
Appraisal Coordination — Seattle luxury appraisals — particularly lakefront and waterfront properties — require appraisers with genuine King County market knowledge and experience with limited comparable sales environments.
Closing — Typically 45-60 days for qualified borrowers; varies by property type and lender.
Yes. RSU income with a documented two-year vesting history is a meaningful qualifying factor, and equity holdings from prior vesting events can support asset-based income or reserve documentation. I work with Amazon, Microsoft, Google, and other major tech employer buyer profiles regularly and understand how to position this income structure for portfolio lenders at the super-jumbo tier.
Yes. Portfolio lenders offer second home and vacation property programs at the super-jumbo tier. Reserve requirements and rate structures differ from primary residence programs; I can walk you through the specifics for your scenario.
Yes. Super-Jumbo One-Time Close Construction programs cover custom builds on Magnolia bluff parcels, Lake Washington-adjacent lots, and estate-scale sites throughout King County — with rate locked at origination and a single closing before the build begins.
Super-Jumbo transactions benefit from early engagement. Let’s have a confidential conversation about your property and financial profile.
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.
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