Like budding daffodils, crocus and cherry blossoms, the return of home show season means spring is finally here. Olympia Federal Savings (OlyFed) will be there staffing a booth with answers to questions about lending options. Their team can talk you through the home building, buying or remodel process and even make appointments for a sit-down chat about next steps. Look for them at the Centralia-Chehalis Chamber of Commerce’s annual Home Show (April 11-12, 2025), the Olympia Master Builders (OMB) Big Home & Remodel Show (April 12-13), Yelm’s Nisqually Valley Home & Garden Show (April 26-27) and the Kitsap Building Association’s Peninsula Home & Remodel Expo (May 2-4).
Whether you’re a renter, owner, builder, flipper or HGTV addict full of questions, home shows are a fabulous way to meet industry folks and discover new products and services firsthand.
Whether You’re Buying, Selling or Building, OlyFed’s Home Show Team can Help
OlyFed representatives enjoy attending these home shows, says AVP/Mortgage Loan Officer Manager Melissa Kirkeby. She says that teams attend to showcase how they can help with everything from new construction to remodels and renovations, ADUs and more.
Kirkeby encourages folks to attend because shows are a great way to see today’s materials and ask detailed questions. “The important part of working on your home is making sure you feel comfortable with the people involved every step of the way,” she explains. “There are a lot of decisions when you build or buy a house and we’ll have both bankers and loan officers at each of the home shows to help guide you in the right direction.”
Both current OlyFed customers or those shopping for a lender are welcome to stop by and chat or make a later appointment at their neighborhood branch to go over specifics. Kirkeby says she’s even met folks with just a daydream of their finished project. She agrees that seeing products in person while meeting builders and vendors is a smart way to start.
Funding Your (Day)Dream Home from the Ground Up
At OlyFed, they offer everything from home equity loans for renovation projects and green lending for energy efficient upgrades to construction and land purchase loans. “Big or small we have all different options to meet your needs,” says Kirkeby, “and our range of products and services is vast to ensure you get the loan that fits best with your financial situation.”
You can even roll remodel costs into the original purchase mortgage if the property needs more than a little TLC. Even better, with OlyFed you can build your dream house – whether or not you already have the land – and roll nearly all the costs into one final loan. T
“When starting the home loan process,” says Kirkeby, “it’s best to call or meet with a loan officer in person. There are lots of documents and moving parts and it’s our goal to make the process simple and easy to understand. When you meet with one of our caring and knowledgeable team members you get the chance to ask questions, get comfortable and layout a roadmap for your customized financing. OlyFed is known for our construction lending programs and we’ve built great relationships with local building professionals and contractors, which means we can also connect you with additional resources and support.”
Home Lending Doesn’t Have to be Complicated, OlyFed Can Help Streamline Financing
Kirkeby worked with a client recently named Chris. He funded 100% of a home build project with OlyFed after being recommended by a contractor friend. “The scope of my project was for a complete new home construction project from dirtwork to final finishes and closeout,” Chris explains. “Working with OlyFed overall has been a smooth and positive experience. I have been able to effectively manage all the work on my own and keep the project moving forward.”
As with any project of this comprehensive scale, Chris reminds us that it’s important to know what you’re getting into. “Make sure you have realistic expectations and anticipate what costs will increase from the time in which you get initial quotes until the time of install and be patient,” he says.
When you’re ready to get started, check out one of OlyFed’s eight convenient locations or call 360.754.3400 to make an appointment. They also offer free community homebuyer classes like their Construction Lending Happy Hour where you can access tools, resources and local expertise, and get help deciding what products and services will work best in your specific case.
Buying and improving your home aren’t out of reach. There are first-time buyer and income based Affordable Homebuyer programs.. Check out one of the four regional home shows this spring, and you’ll find inspiration to take that first or next step; especially if OlyFed is there to walk you through it.
Centralia-Chehalis Chamber of Commerce’s Home Show
April 11, noon – 6 p.m.
April 12, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Southwest Washington Fairgrounds
1909 S Gold Street, Centralia
Adults $5, seniors and children under 12 $3
OMB Big Home & Remodel Show
April 12, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
April 13, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Saint Martin’s University Marcus Pavilion
5300 Pacific Avenue SE, Lacey
Adults $7, young adults (13-18) $5, youth under 12, free
senior discount Sunday, military discount all weekend
Nisqually Valley Home & Garden Show
April 26-27Yelm High School
1315 W Yelm Avenue, Yelm
Free
Peninsula Home & Remodel Expo
Friday, May 2nd, noon – 5 p.m.
Saturday, May 3rd, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Sunday, May 4th, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Kitsap County Fairgrounds & Event Center
1200 Fairgrounds Road NW Bremerton
Sponsored
