Mortgage Market Update for the Week of November 18, 2024

This week’s episode includes what’s going on with mortgage rates, rent vs buy reports and credit tips to help you with holiday shopping.

If you or anyone you know are considering buying, refinancing or selling a home, please contact me! I am always happy to help.

Mortgage Market Update for the Week of November 11, 2024

Want to know how mortgage rates are trending following the election or what may impact mortgage rates this week? Check out my latest episode which features our new bridge loan program!

Please contact me if you have any questions or if you’re interested in buying, refinancing or remodeling your home!

Thank a Veteran by Accepting their Offer with a VA Loan

Today, much deserved gratitude will be shared to our Veterans. We honor their courage, sacrifice and service that allow us to have our freedom.

As a mortgage professional, I am thrilled when I have received a purchase and sales agreement where the seller has agreed to allow the Veteran to use their VA loan.

A VA Loan is a benefit that the Veteran has earned. There are no loan limits and offers low to no down payment. [Read more…]

Mortgage Market Update for the Week of November 4, 2024

I’m still in sunny California for my nephew’s wedding and will be back home before our next weekly update.

This week is set to be very volatile for mortgage rates with the elections taking place tomorrow. Although we may not have the final results for days, the markets will react.

We also have the Fed (FOMC) wrapping up their two-day meeting on Thursday. It’s widely expected that the Fed will reduce the Fed funds rate by 25 basis points. While this does not directly impact mortgage rates, it does influence the direction of mortgage interest rates.

Here’s what’s on schedule for this week:

  • Tuesday, Nov. 5: ISM Services, 10-year Auction and the Presidential Election
  • Wednesday, Nov. 6: 30-year Auction
  • Thursday, Nov. 7: FOMC Meeting & Press Conference
  • Friday, Nov. 8: Consumer Sentiment

If you would like to review mortgage rates for your personal scenario, please contact me.

 

Appraisal Waivers Expanded for Conforming Purchases

The FHFA announced expanded guidelines for appraisal waiver increasing the maximum loan to value (LTV) from 80% to 90% on purchase transactions. An appraisal waiver is not guaranteed on all conforming mortgages. Loans are submitted to the automated underwriting systems for Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac, which determine whether or not a transaction will receive an appraisal waiver.

Possible eligible transactions include: [Read more…]

Mortgage Market Update for the Week of October 28, 2024

I typically share my weekly update on Mondays; yesterday was a travel day for me. I am writing this from beautiful Palm Desert on “vacation” for a family member’s wedding celebration.

In last week’s update, I shared the economic indicators that may impact rates this week, including: [Read more…]

How King County Senior Citizens Can Reduce Their Property Taxes

As the October 31 property tax payment deadline nears, King County Assessor John Wilson has a clear message for seniors: Take advantage of the county’s property tax relief program, which is designed to help seniors reduce their tax burdens and stay in their homes longer.

Thanks to recent legislative changes, the property tax relief program is now accessible to even more seniors. The income threshold has increased to $84,000, making many more residents eligible for a tax exemption that could lower their property taxes by as much as 90%. [Read more…]

Mortgage Market Update for the week of October 21, 2024

What’s influencing mortgage rates this week, what may impact the direction of mortgage rates this (and next) week and 10 factors that impact the pricing of your mortgage rate in this week’s episode.