Kids grow up, leave home and start families of their own. After they’re gone, your house may seem spacious, even empty. You have a lot of living ahead and now is the right time to embrace a new stage in life.

Maybe you’ve been looking forward to the extra room. You can remodel, converting bedrooms into home offices, hobby rooms or even a rental space. Or, maybe you’re ready to downsize by moving to a smaller home with fewer expenses and less maintenance.

I’m Timmy Ostrom, an independent mortgage lender in Vancouver, Washington. My goal is to help you find the best loan for your situation. I’ll work to make applying and qualifying for a home loan simple and stress-free.

Even if retirement is years away, it’s not too early to think about the home where you want to grow old. That space may look very different from the one where you raised your kids.

Single-level homes with features that are easy to navigate are one of the biggest trends right now in Vancouver. These residents are sought by both young and old because everyone wants a home that’s safe, comfortable and accessible

Apply for a loan before you start house-shopping in our area’s competitive market. With a preapproved loan, you can make an offer as soon as you find your new place.

Empty nesters have flexibility in the type of mortgage for which they qualify. Many can get an affordable interest rate based on their high credit score. They may also have a sizeable down payment from savings or the sale of a previous home

With good credit and a down payment, you’re in an ideal situation. I can find you an affordable mortgage and help you prequalify ahead of your home search.

Some of the best loans for empty nesters are conventional fixed-rate loans. These loans are available for various time spans, the most common being 30 years.

Fixed rate loans offer stability. Your monthly payments will remain the same, making it easy to budget and plan for the future. Available loans include 15-year fixed rate, 20-year fixed rate and 30-year fixed rate.

There is no one best loan. The right mortgage for you will depend on your finances, plans and goals. You may prefer an adjustable rate loan, for example. These are a good choice for those who plan to live in a home for just a few years.

Some loans are easier to qualify for than a conventional loan. Not all empty nesters have a nest egg. For some, the expense of raising kids or paying for college meant there was little left for savings.

Even empty nesters may be first-time homebuyers. If you don’t have money for a down payment, you may qualify for the Chenoa Fund, a down-payment assistance program with no income or geographic limitations.

If a conventional loan seems out of reach, consider these options:

Federal Housing Administration (FHA) Loan

• Low down payment
• Flexible income and credit requirements
• Adjustable or fixed rate

United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Loan

• Approved for rural and suburban homes
• Interest rates are low
• Low closing costs
• Flexible credit requirements

Veterans Administration (VA) Loan

• For military veterans and qualified surviving spouses
• Flexible down payment
• Adjustable or fixed rate
• Low closing costs.

If you plan to remodel rather than move, you may want a second mortgage. Together, we’ll look at your need to determine what makes sense for your situation

I can help you find financing if you’re building a home. Loans for new construction can differ from a standard loan because you’ll need a place to live while you build.