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 YouTubeKnow 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.