HARP Refi’s are still available…for a few more months!

The Home Affordable Refinance Program (also known as HARP) which helped many home owners refinance their underwater homes into lower rates following the melt-down, is scheduled to end later this summer. [Read more…]

Updates to Fannie Mae Guidelines

Last week, Fannie Mae released Selling Guide Announcement SEL-2017-04 with underwriting updates, including the special pricing for when home owners refinance their home to pay off student loans. Fannie Mae is the Federal National Mortgage Association and basically provides funding for conventional “conforming” loans. [Read more…]

Are you remodeling your greater Seattle or Tacoma area home?

We’re getting ready to remodel our kitchen and recently discovered Second Use. Second Use is locations in Seattle Tacoma. They sell second-hand items for your home from furniture to all types of fixtures. [Read more…]

Cash Out Refinances for Student Loans

Fannie Mae has revamped some guidelines regarding student loans and how they are treated in debt to income ratios for qualifying for a mortgage. This is great news… however what’s even better news for home owners who have student loans, Fannie Mae is offering improved pricing on cash out refinances for paying off student loans! [Read more…]

Cash Out Refinance

Homes in the greater Seattle – King County area have been experiencing higher home values. The demand for homes with the strong employment market in Seattle and lack of inventory has been pushing home prices higher and higher. What is not great news for home buyers wanting to live in the greater Seattle area, this does create an opportunity for homeowners. Homeowners can either sell their home to take advantage of the appreciate that we currently have, or they can consider a cash out refinance. The reasons for a cash out refinance can vary from wanting to consolidate debts, funding retirement, cashing out an ex-spouse or improving your home…just to name a few.  [Read more…]

Appraisals waived for some refinances!

mortgageporterhomeFannie Mae will begin offering appraisal waivers on some refinance transactions. This is great news as it will help transactions that qualify have a quicker closing and help reduce the work load for appraisers which will hopefully help expedite current appraisal turn-times. This will also help home owners save money on their transaction by not having to pay an appraisal fee, which have gone up dramatically over the last few months. [Read more…]

How to reduce documentation for a refinance

iStock_000013548856SmallMany home owners in Washington state are looking into refinancing with how historically low mortgage interest rates currently are. The process of a refinance is very similar to that of when you obtained a mortgage to purchase your home…there is a lot of a paperwork and documentation required for the process. However…there are options you may have available to help reduce some of the documents that are typically required.

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Fannie Mae’s HomeReady Mortgage for Refi’s

Fannie Mae’s HomeReady Mortgage program offers low down payment, reduced mortgage insurance and no price adjustments (LLPA) translates to lower mortgage interest rates…AND is not just for home buyers. Fannie Mae’s HomeReady mortgage program is also available for home owners interested in refinancing. [Read more…]