Business Details
Your Trusted Mortgage Partner in Bellingham, WA
We are a dedicated mortgage team committed to helping clients achieve homeownership and financial growth through personalized lending solutions. With decades of combined experience in real estate and finance, we specialize in navigating complex loan processes, offering expertise in conventional, VA, USDA, and reverse mortgage programs. Our team prioritizes transparency, efficiency, and client education, ensuring a seamless experience from pre-approval to closing.Recognized for creative problem-solving and exceptional service, we serve Washington State and beyond, supported by a network of trusted real estate partners. Our mission is to empower clients with tailored strategies that align with their unique financial goals.
Services
Conventional Home Loans
VA Home Loans
USDA Home Loans
Reverse Mortgages
Refinancing
First-Time Buyer Programs
Investment Property Loans
Down Payment Assistance
HECM Counseling
Physician Loans
Highlights and features
- We offer 20+ years of mortgage and financial planning expertise tailored to your needs
- Our team streamlines loan processes with transparent communication and proactive problem-solving
- Specialized programs for first-time buyers, veterans, and retirement-focused borrowers
- Certified professionals with CPA and mortgage planning credentials ensure financial accuracy
- Proven track record of closing complex transactions in competitive markets
What people say
Smooth closing process
Creative problem-solving
Exceptional communication
Expertise in complex loans
Personalized guidance
Services
Conventional Home Loans
Conventional home loans offer flexible terms for primary residences, investment properties, and second homes. We provide competitive rates with personalized down payment and credit requirements. Our experts guide borrowers through fixed-rate and adjustable-rate options to match long-term financial goals.
VA Home Loans
VA loans provide zero-down payment options for eligible veterans and active-duty personnel. We specialize in maximizing benefits while navigating VA-specific requirements. Our team ensures compliance with military service timelines and entitlement documentation for seamless approvals.
Reverse Mortgages
Reverse mortgages help seniors access home equity without monthly payments. We offer HUD-approved counseling and customized plans for retirement income. Our specialists explain tax implications and eligibility criteria for properties in Washington and beyond.
First-Time Buyer Programs
These programs reduce barriers with low down payments and grants. We connect clients to state-specific initiatives like Washington Home Advantage. Our guidance covers pre-approval steps and credit-building strategies for sustainable homeownership.
Refinancing
Refinancing options lower rates, reduce terms, or unlock equity. We analyze break-even points and closing costs for cash-out and rate-and-term refinances. Our process includes title review and appraisal coordination to expedite funding.
People
Marie Bjornson
Branch Manager
Certified Mortgage Planner with 20 years in finance, specializing in complex transactions. Holds CPA credentials and speaks Spanish. Leads the team with expertise in real estate investing and divorce lending.
Petra Amark
Operations Manager
Loan officer with 13 years in real estate investment. Former international resident now serving Bellingham. Focuses on purchase and refinance loans with multilingual client support.
Mike Mitchell
Loan Administrator
37-year mortgage industry veteran with roles spanning underwriting to compliance. Licensed instructor for real estate continuing education. Manages loan workflows and technical documentation.
Louise Bjornson
Customer Concierge
Former Bellingham City Council member with expertise in zoning and community development. Assists clients with loan documentation and local market insights.
Dawn Clear
Customer Concierge
Client service specialist managing administrative workflows. Ensures timely communication and document organization for purchase and refinance transactions.
Questions
What mortgage options do you offer for first-time homebuyers?
We provide conventional, FHA, and state-specific first-time buyer programs with down payment assistance and grants.
Can self-employed individuals qualify for mortgages?
Yes, we specialize in non-traditional income verification for self-employed borrowers through tax documentation and profit-and-loss statements.
How does the reverse mortgage process work?
We guide clients through HUD counseling, equity assessment, and payment structure options for retirement income solutions.
What documents are required for pre-approval?
We need recent pay stubs, tax returns, bank statements, and ID. Self-employed applicants provide business financials.
Do you offer jumbo loans for high-value properties?
Yes, we provide jumbo loan options with competitive rates for luxury homes and unique properties.
How long does the mortgage closing process take?
Average closing time is 30-45 days, depending on loan type, documentation completeness, and appraisal timelines.
Videos
Reviews (4)
Anna Black
Dec 30, 2021
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Stumbled on Marie at random when we started looking to refinance our home and wow did we get lucky! She and her team were incredibly responsive, helpful, quick, informative and fun. We have a complicated situation with me having lost my job just as we started the process and us having some high $$ debt, but Marie worked on it, got creative, and we were able to lower our interest rate and even get out the exact amount of cash we needed to be able to buy some land. Cannot recommend them enough. We will 100% be using them again when we are ready to buy the land and build the new house in the spring
Kelley Jackson
Oct 20, 2021
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We have been working with Marie for years. She is amazing at details, supportive, and fun to work with! If you want to get the best mortgage experience in Bellingham- contact Marie! She is awesome!
Shelli Huntley
Oct 01, 2021
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Wow! Thats just the start of it! We recently decided to refinance our home. Marie helped us 12 years ago buy our first home. And because she was so knowledgeable and through we decided to call her for a refinance. Even though we had a few bumps on our credit, she was the human touch to get the job done. Moving forward 30 days after we refinanced, a perfect home came available. Not feeling confident we could do it, we call Marie again! And again she walked us through another approval. During the entire process, she was our bulldog. She got us in contact with one of the best real estate agents
Kathy Segerstrom
Sep 14, 2021
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We have used Marie twice, and both times she has gone above and beyond our expectations. Maries whole team are just awesome, you ask a question if they cant answer they find out then let you know, never a question left un answered. We would highly recommend this team to anybody new to home buying or experienced to use Maries team
At Fairway Independent Mortgage!!!
Robert & Kathy Segerstrom
At Fairway Independent Mortgage!!!
Robert & Kathy Segerstrom
