Frequently Asked Questions

Q:  What is covered during our initial consultation with Laney?

A:  During your initial consultation, Laney will focus on the following topics:

Mortgage evaluation (home value and current mortgage position)
Complete financial review (where your assets are currently allocated)
Overall debt evaluation (educating you on the concept of "good and bad debt")
Evaluation of your current retirement strategies (401K/IRA, real estate, insurance, stocks and bonds)
Discussion of your financial goals and objectives
Definition of where you are financially today, and where you would like to be in the future

Q:  What do I need to bring to our initial consultation?

A:  For W2 Employees, please bring the following:

Two most recent paystubs for each borrower
2006 and 2007 W2s
Two most recent months asset statements for every liquid account (ALL pages please)
If currently an owner, most recent mortgage statements for 1st and 2nd mortgages (for every property owned)
For 1099 or Self Employed Buyers, please bring the following:

2006 and 2007 tax returns with all schedules and current P&L’s
Two most recent months asset statements for every liquid account (ALL pages please)
Most recent 401K or IRA statements (ALL pages)
If currently an owner, most recent mortgage statements for 1st and 2nd mortgages (for every property owned)
Copy of active business license (if applicable)

Q:  You're asking for a lot of private information. How secure is my information and who will be viewing my financials?

A:  Our website is completely secure and confidential.  If you are currently working with an agent, the agent will have access to limited information.  No social security numbers or account numbers can be viewed by the agents.

Q:  What if I am still unsure if I want to take the next step; is there someone available for me to speak with directly to answer my questions before proceeding?

A:  Laney is available to answer any questions you may have. You can contact Laney by phone at 425.605.3192 or via email at mailto:laneyshorett@cobaltmortgage.com.  Should you have a question of urgent matter, please feel free to call me direct at 206.265.1900

Q:  Why do you need my Social Security Number?

A:  Laney will prepare a complete financial plan for your meeting. In order to do so, we need your social security number to pull your credit report.

Q:  Will you pull my credit? If so, why? Will it affect my credit score?

A:  If you would like to come in for a consultation, yes, your credit report will be pulled. We need a copy of your credit report on file so we can give you an accurate and complete financial plan that fits you best. Knowing your credit scores also helps us determine which loan programs you are eligible for.  Your credit score will not be affected negatively by a single credit pull.  However, if you are shopping for a mortgage or an auto loan and you allow several companies to pull your credit within a short period of time, your score may go down slightly because of multiple inquiries. **If you are uncomfortable having your credit pulled or simply have general questions you would like answered, please contact Laney at 425.605.3192 or mailto:laneyshorett@cobaltmortgage.com.  She will be happy to set up a phone consultation to provide you with additional information regarding your credit. 

Q:  Why do I need to disclose all of my personal financial information before we meet?

A:  What we do is unique.  Our practices are new ways to look at mortgage and equity management strategies.  In order for Laney to advise you properly on the most efficient and profitable mortgage plan, a thorough knowledge of your current financial position is vital.  Our goal is to help you get from where you are now to where you want to be.  Your current financial position is where we start.  Furthermore, we believe your time with Ryan is better spent discussing your options and answering your questions rather than collecting data and filling out forms. 

Q:  Does providing all of my information and coming in for a consultation commit me to doing business with Laney?    Does it commit me to moving forward with the plan?

A:  Providing the requested information in no way commits you to anything.  Our goals are to learn about you and your goals, to gauge how serious you are about taking steps to change your current financial position, and should you decide to move forward with us, to provide you with an efficient and profitable mortgage plan unique to your needs and goals.  Meeting with us obligates you to nothing, but should you choose to move forward with us, your financial information will be used for loan processing, which saves you from having to send it to us later. 

Q:  Can you provide professional referrals for other financial services?

A:  Laney works with a large network of professional referrals, all of whom we use personally (please see the Preferred Partner tab on the Home Page).  We can refer you with confidence to CPAs, Money Managers, Property Managers, Insurance Specialists and Attorneys.  Several other industry referrals are available upon request.

Q:  Can you come to my office or meet at my house to cover all this information?

A:  All consultations are held at our Kirkland office. Our message is most effiectively communicated using the proper tools and technology resources located at our office.  Also, meeting in our office allows us to limit time-consuming outside distractions.