JASON VAUGHN

For The 208th Feature Of Seven Question Sunday, We Shine The Spotlight On Another Individual, who is looking to help those in the region make their home owning dreams come true. This is Jason Vaugh.

4EG: Hey JV tell us about yourself

JV: I'm Jason Vaughn, your trusted Mortgage Loan Advisor at Team Pope Home Loans. With over 14 years of lending experience, I'm here to guide and empower you on your path to homeownership.

My goal is to help you understand the benefits of real estate ownership and how it can be a powerful tool for building generational wealth. From my humble beginnings in Sub Prime Auto Loans to my success in the mortgage industry, I've gained valuable insights that I'm excited to share with you.

When I'm not assisting clients, you'll find me nurturing my love for animals. My home is filled with the joy of two cats, one of which we bottle-fed as a kitten. Additionally, we are currently fostering two huskies and actively seeking loving homes for them. I'm also passionate about the great outdoors and enjoy camping, hiking, biking, and kayaking. Additionally, I have a keen interest in history and partake in reenactment events.

Here is how Jason answered our 7 questions:

4EG: You put out awesome educational videos on social media, why is education so important to you?

JV: Thank you for your kind words! Education is incredibly important to me because I've seen firsthand the impact it can have on people's lives. In my previous experience in subprime auto lending, I noticed a lack of financial literacy among individuals, leading to detrimental financial choices. This realization motivated me to become a mortgage loan officer and focus on educating families about homeownership and financial responsibility. By providing valuable information and dispelling myths, I empower individuals to make informed decisions and achieve their goals of homeownership. It brings me great joy to see families thrive and build a strong foundation for their future. What should people have ready when they start considering the home loan process?

4EG: What should people have ready when they start considering the home loan process?

JV: When considering the home loan process, it's important to have a few key things ready. First and foremost, we'll have a chat to understand your goals, dreams, and unique situation in the home buying process. This initial consultation allows us to determine how we can best assist you on your journey. To gain a better understanding of your financial situation, we'll need some basic information, such as your name, date of birth, social security number, income, and assets. Don't worry, we can perform a soft credit review that won't impact your credit score. Based on the information gathered, we can discuss the next steps. Whether you're ready to buy now and need to gather the necessary documents, or if you're planning for the future and need a roadmap to guide you, we'll tailor our approach to suit your needs. Our goal is to make the home loan process as smooth and stress-free as possible.

4EG: What makes life so special in the PNW?

JV: Life in the PNW is a true wonderland of natural beauty and endless adventures. From the breathtaking beaches to the majestic mountains, from the serene forests to the wide-open deserts, the PNW offers a diverse playground for outdoor enthusiasts. The possibilities are endless here, with a plethora of activities to engage in. Hiking through lush trails, camping under starlit skies, and kayaking in pristine waters are just a few of the thrilling experiences waiting to be embraced. But it's not just about the landscapes; it's the sense of freedom and connection to nature that makes life in the PNW so special. It's a place where you can truly immerse yourself in the great outdoors and create memories that will last a lifetime.

4EG: How did you get into fostering animals?

JV: It all started when my wife and I moved in together. We already had a full house with three cats and four dogs, and over the years, we sadly had to say goodbye to some of them as they aged. However, it seemed like animals just found their way into our lives. Our journey into official animal fostering began when we adopted Hannah, an elderly Malamute from WaMal (https://www.wamal.com/), who had been in and out of the rescue for four years. We had been keeping an eye on her for a while, but due to our existing furry family, we couldn't bring her home earlier. It was a heartwarming experience to finally provide her with a loving home. We also had the privilege of fostering a litter of two-week-old bottle-fed kittens from the humane society. We dedicated ourselves to round-the-clock care, taking turns to feed them every two hours. We ended up keeping one of the kittens, whom we named Thane, and found loving homes for the others among our friends. Currently, we are unofficially fostering two huskies, Foxy and Tango, who unfortunately have a prey drive towards cats so we cannot keep them no matter how much we love them. More info about them and adopting them can be found here ( Https://sites.google.com/view/foxy-and-tango/home?fbclid=IwAR3berET-U8hl258Q5WuXwxmkHTLiSoJH2D0QotGqfjconZvWnzZVVuqt9A )

4EG: Favorite place to unwind in the PNW?

JV: I must admit my bias towards Packwood. We are fortunate to have a short-term rental vacation cabin in that area, and it holds a special place in my heart. Nestled in a picturesque valley between Mt. Rainier, Mt. St. Helens, and Mt. Adams, Packwood offers breathtaking hiking trails and abundant opportunities to immerse oneself in nature. During the winter, it's only a short 30-minute drive to White Pass, where you can enjoy skiing and snowboarding on pristine slopes. And when summer arrives, Rimrock Lake is just a little further away, providing a refreshing retreat for water activities. If you're interested in experiencing the beauty of Packwood firsthand, I invite you to check out our cabin ( https://nanooksretreat.staydirectly.com/listing?a=34440010 ) . It offers a cozy and comfortable getaway for those seeking relaxation and exploration in this stunning PNW destination.

4EG: What advice do you have for first time home buyers?

JV: I strongly recommend reaching out to a trusted Mortgage Advisor as early as possible, even if you believe your home purchase is years away. Consulting with a professional today can provide valuable insights and help you better understand your unique situation. Don't wait until you think you need to fix a specific aspect, such as fixing your credit or saving a down payment, before seeking professional guidance. By consulting with a Mortgage Advisor, you can gain a clearer picture of your current financial status and any other potential areas that may need attention. This way, you can address any necessary steps in a timely manner and avoid additional delays when you believe you're ready to proceed.

4EG: Are there any misconceptions about mortgages you want to clear up?

JV: One common misconception about mortgages is that you need a 20% down payment to buy a house. However, there are many options available with low or even no down payment requirements. For example, FHA loans often require a minimum down payment of just 3.5% of the purchase price. VA loans are available for eligible veterans and active-duty military personnel with no down payment required. USDA loans also offer zero-down payment options for qualified borrowers in rural areas. Additionally, there are various down payment assistance programs that can help first-time homebuyers with their down payment and closing costs. It's important to consult with a knowledgeable Mortgage Advisor who can guide you through these options and help you find a mortgage program that suits your needs and financial situation.