Clear, practical guidance on mortgages, homebuying, and the financing decisions that actually matter — written by Elliott Bowman, United Airlines First Officer and licensed mortgage broker.
A full conversation covering how a United Airlines pilot closed $30M in loans his first year, why pilots face unique mortgage challenges, and what actually separates good loan originators from great ones.
Read & Watch →Also available on YouTube — watch the full 45-minute interview with Rich Hanlin on the Mortgage Ballers channel.
▶ Watch on YouTubeChatGPT can do the math, but it doesn't know your qualifying income, which debts underwriting counts, or which loan program you'll be placed in. Here's what an AI affordability estimate gets wrong.
Read article →A HELOC keeps your existing mortgage intact; a cash-out refinance replaces it. Here's the math on which one costs less — and why your current rate usually decides it.
Read article →Veteran pilots often leave VA benefits on the table — assuming a jumbo cap that doesn't exist, or paying a funding fee they don't owe. Here's how the entitlement, the fee chart, and the disability waiver actually work.
Read article →Standard underwriting averages two years of W-2s and calls it done. For pilots on an upward trajectory, that number describes a pilot who no longer exists. Here's how to present a file that reflects your actual earning power.
Read article →DSCR loans qualify on the property's rental income — not your W-2, tax returns, or personal DTI. A comprehensive guide to how they work, who benefits, and what lenders actually evaluate.
Read article →Know your real budget before you shop. Pre-approval gives you credibility with sellers, prevents budget surprises, and lets you move fast when the right home appears.
Read article →The FHFA raised the baseline conforming limit by $26,250 for 2026. Here's what the increase means for buyers near the conforming-to-jumbo threshold — and how to use it.
Read article →A 2-1 or 3-2-1 buydown funded by seller concessions can reduce your mortgage payment by hundreds per month in the early years. Here's exactly how the structures work.
Read article →Most buyers don't know escrow is optional for the right borrower. An escrow waiver can reduce upfront costs, improve cash flow control, and simplify your monthly payment.
Read article →Most refinances reset your clock to 30 years. Flex Term lets you lower your rate and keep your original payoff date — so you get the benefit without undoing years of progress.
Read article →Traditional construction financing requires two closings. A one-time close combines them, locks your permanent rate before construction begins, and eliminates re-qualification risk.
Read article →The best mortgage isn't the one with the lowest rate on a comparison site. It's the one that fits your income, timeline, and long-term plan. Here's a practical framework.
Read article →Location, condition, layout, and price — and knowing which tradeoffs are actually worth making. A clear framework for evaluating any property without letting emotion override logic.
Read article →Condos offer real lifestyle advantages — but the financing is more complex than a single-family purchase. Warrantability, HOA health, and FHA/VA approval all matter before you make an offer.
Read article →Underwriting turnaround varies dramatically by lender and loan officer. Here's how file quality and lender relationships produce faster approvals — and what that means for your close date.
Read article →The full story: how a United Airlines pilot entered mortgage during the pandemic, closed $30M his first year, and built a niche practice serving aviation professionals.
Read article →A school mascot, a Cessna 172, and a lesson about homeownership. Elliott's community involvement in Erie, Colorado — and why it matters beyond marketing.
Read article →Free consultation. No obligation. Elliott responds same day.