How can we help you today?
Hi, we're The Howard Team!
The Howard Team has been committed to providing the best home loan solutions for their customers since 2007. Backed by excellent operations and a company that truly cares about people, The Howard Team has a goal of helping everyone achieve their dream of owning a home.
The Howard Team at Fairway Home Mortgage | Helping homebuyers and homeowners in King & Pierce County WA secure the right mortgage with confidence, strategy, and speed.
Walter and Emily Howard, The Howard Team at Fairway Independent Mortgage Corporation, are trusted mortgage advisors serving homebuyers and homeowners across King County and Pierce County, Washington, including Auburn, Maple Valley, Covington, Black Diamond, Enumclaw, Federal Way, and Puyallup. Since 1999, they have helped clients successfully navigate residential home purchase and refinance loans with expert guidance, fast pre-approvals, and smooth, on-time closings.
As a top 1% mortgage team in the nation, The Howard Team is known for delivering a strategic approach to home financing. They specialize in conventional, FHA, VA, USDA, jumbo, renovation, and refinance loans, helping first-time buyers, move-up buyers, and homeowners make confident financial decisions. Their process is built around clear communication, proactive planning, and structuring loans in a way that helps clients compete and win in today’s competitive Washington real estate market.
With over 1,000 five-star reviews, Walter and Emily have earned a reputation as one of the best mortgage lenders in King County and Pierce County. They believe that mortgage planning is more than just a rate—it’s about creating a personalized strategy that aligns with your goals, whether you’re buying your first home, upgrading, investing, or refinancing.
If you’re looking for a mortgage lender in Washington State who prioritizes speed, strategy, and service, The Howard Team is here to help you every step of the way.
The Made for Home Card
Earn rewards on your mortgage with every purchase. From Made and Fairway.
Check if you are pre-approved with no impact to your credit score!
WHAT TO EXPECT
Our Process
We understand that purchasing a home is one of the biggest purchases in your lifetime. We've streamlined our process to ensure that the experience of obtaining your mortgage is as smooth and stress-free as possible. Typically, once the loan documents are signed and delivered back to us, you'll receive your funding in 5 to 7 days!
Apply online with our easy-to-use app!
Our app allows you to quickly input all of the necessary information from wherever you are!
Upload and verify the necessary documents.
Our mobile app makes applying easy and scanning documents as simple as snapping a picture.
Speak with a member of our team to learn about the options available to you.
Choosing the right loan program for your financial goals and situation is important. Our team can help you determine what fits you best.
Shop smart with a pre-approval from Fairway.
Once we receive all required documentation and verify qualification, we send a congratulatory email with your pre-approval.
You and your real estate agent begin searching to find your dream home.
Do you need a referral to a great agent? I am connected with some of the best and would be thrilled to introduce you!
We will walk you through each step of the mortgage process
Our team works with you and your agent to provide excellent communication and transparency throughout the loan process and will explain all of the paperwork you need to sign.
Congratulations on your new home!
After closing you will recieve the keys to your new home! Congrats!
Why people believe in us
★★★★★
I HIGHLY recommend the Howard Team at Fairway Independent Mortgage Corporation. This is the second time my wife and I have worked with them, this time to refi our home. Just as the first time we worked together, Walter and Emily (and their whole team) were available, they were patient, they treated us with professionalism and kindness. The whole process was painless and efficient. I can’t say enough good things about the Howard Team. I suppose the best indicator would be to say that when it comes time to refi to an even lower rate, I won’t waste my time with another loan officer or company. I’ll be calling on Walter and Emily and the whole Howard team again over at Fairway Independent Mortgage Corporation.
Tyler M., Auburn, WA
March 11, 2026
★★★★★
I am a 30 years real estate agent and our buyer chose to use their own lender/bank. This can sometimes be a crazy experience, but with Walter and Emily they made it professional and fun! Yes Fun! They are experienced lenders and I would recommend to others to use them and give them a try.
Cyndi Ohrt, Seattle, WA
April 22, 2024
★★★★★
Emily and Walter are amazing. They are very proactive and responsive. They are great at keeping the project on track and are great to work with. They made the home buying process easy.
