Questions people actually ask Mel

Mel is licensed in Alaska, Washington, Montana & Hawaii with Fairway Home Mortgage (a dba of Fairway Independent Mortgage Corporation, NMLS #2289). Her individual NMLS ID is #729261.

Yes. Mel Shrieves and Mel McFarland are the same loan officer (NMLS #729261). You'll still see "Shrieves" on some review platforms and social accounts.

Text 253-353-4566. It's how most of her clients communicate, and it works whether you're in Wasilla or deployed overseas. Call or email (mel.mcfarland@fairwaymc.com) also work.

No. Conversations, pre-approvals, and VA eligibility checks are free. You pay nothing unless and until you close a loan, and every cost is disclosed up front.

No. There are no forms, trackers, or cookies set by this site. When you apply, you go to Fairway's secure FairwayNow system, which is covered by Fairway's privacy policy.

Yes. With orders in hand you can usually close before your report date. Mel closes remotely with e-signing, remote notarization where allowed, and powers of attorney for deployed buyers.

Yes — VA finances well/septic properties, but minimum property requirements include water testing and certain setbacks. Mel orders the tests early so they never hold up closing.

Not if you have full entitlement. A down payment is optional and can lower the funding fee, but it is not required.

It's a one-time fee paid to VA that can be financed. Veterans receiving disability compensation, certain surviving spouses, and Purple Heart recipients on active duty are typically exempt. Use the estimator on the VA page.

It depends on the program: VA and USDA can be $0 down; FHA 3.5%; conventional from 3%. Add closing costs (sellers can pay some) and a modest reserve. Mel gives you an exact cash-to-close number for your scenario.

Yes — when you're actually ready to lock, with your actual scenario. Mel doesn't advertise teaser rates on this site because a rate without your credit, loan type and timeline attached isn't real.

Often, yes. All programs allow some seller contribution; VA allows up to 4% in concessions on top of normal closing costs. Mel coaches you and your agent on how to ask.

Often same-day once you send pay stubs, W-2s or LES, bank statements and ID. VA buyers: Mel pulls the COE at the same time.

Typically three to four weeks for Mel's purchases, depending on appraisal scheduling in your area — rural Alaska can take a bit longer, which Mel plans for.

Nobody can time rates. If the payment is comfortable today, buying now and refinancing later (an IRRRL for VA buyers) is a legitimate strategy. Waiting has costs too.