Many Washington State Homes (and Home Buyers) are eligible for Down Payment Assistance Programs

down_payment_assistanceRealtyTrac and Down Payment Resource recently compiled a report of how many homes are eligible for various down payment assistance programs by county. Their report revealed that 87% of homes in the United States may qualify for down payment assistance (DPA) for home buyers.

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Home Buyers Seminar in Northgate

Seattle Home Buyer Classes

I will be teaching a home buyer class in Seattle with Jim Repppond of Coldwell Banker Danforth on Saturday, November 15, 2014 at the Coldwell Banker Danforth’s Seattle office, which is located just south of the Northgate Mall.

The class is sponsored by the Washington State Housing Finance Commission. Students who attend are eligible for programs like Home Advantage or House Key Opportunity (the Washington state bond program) or Freddie Mac Home Possible. Students are also eligible for various down payment assistance programs and MCC (mortgage credit certificates).

If you are considering buying a home with your spouse, partner or friend, they will need to attend the class with you to qualify for the programs.  You do not need to be a first time home buyer to qualify for many of the mortgage programs. And of course, you’re welcome to attend if you’re not interested in down payment assistance programs and you just want to learn more about the home buying process. [Read more…]

Conforming Mortgages set to Reduce Minimum Down Payment

Mel_WattAt the MBA Annual Convention this week, Mel Watt, Director of the FHFA announced that Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac will be reducing the minimum down payment.

From his prepared speech:

“To increase access for creditworthy but lower-wealth borrowers, FHFA is also working with the Enterprises to develop sensible and responsible guidelines for mortgages with loan-to-value ratios between 95 and 97 percent. [Read more…]

Kent Home Buyer Education Class

Seattle Home Buyer ClassesI will be teaching a home buyer class in Kent with Ira Sacharoff of Better Properties Real Estate on Saturday, October 11, 2014 at Mortgage Master Service Corporation’s home office which is located just south of South Center on West Valley Highway.

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Congratulations to the Washington State Housing Finance Commission!

iStock_000009450603SmallI’ve just learned that last month, the Washington State Housing Finance Commission did their 50,000 closing! In other words, WSHFC has helped over 50,000 families buy a home in Washington state using one of their first mortgage and down payment assistance programs. The 50,000th home buyers are from Federal Way and represent a typical Home Advantage home buyer:

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Washington State Down Payment Assistance Programs and Grants

2013-03-07_0746Washington State home buyers have several various down payment assistance programs available and they’re not just limited to first time home buyers.  These funds can go towards closing cost and the down payment of primary residence.

Here’s an updated list of what I have available.

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It’s Official: Washington State Bond Mortgage Program has funds!

Washington State Bond House KeyI just received the official announcement that House Key Opportunity (aka the Washington State Bond program) will start accepting reservations (locks) tomorrow, May 1, 2014.

The state bond program offers below market interest rates to home buyers who have household incomes limited to 80% or lower of the HUD’s income limits.  In King County, a family of four would qualify for this program if their household income is $63,900 or lower. House Key will allow credit scores of 620 or higher – there may be additional credit score or income limits with combined down payment assistance programs.

UPDATE 5/30/2014:  Income limits above are for when home buyers do not use a down payment assistance program in conjunction with House Key Opportunity state bond program.  Income limits for the Seattle – King County area are $90,000 for a 1-2 family home or $97,000 for a 3+ family home.

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Burien Home Buyer Class on May 10, 2014

Seattle Home Buyer ClassesThe next home buyer education class that I’m teaching is coming up on Saturday, May 10th, 2014 at the Burien Library. Ira Sacharoff, Real Estate Broker with Better Properties Real Estate is my fellow instructor.

The class is sponsored by the Washington State Housing Finance Commission. Students who attend are eligible for programs like Home Advantage, House Key (state bond) or Home Possible as well as various down payment assistance programs and MCC (mortgage credit certificates) tax credits.If you are considering buying a home with your spouse, partner or friend, they need to attend the class too in order to qualify for programs. You do not need to be a first time home buyer to qualify for many of these programs. And you’re welcome to attend if you’re just interested in learning more about the process.

[Read more…]