Escalation Clauses Explained: How They Work in Washington State

bidding wars in greater SeattleEscalation clauses come up in almost every competitive Seattle-area offer conversation, but most buyers have never seen how one is actually structured. Here’s how they work, what they protect you from, and where they can work against you.

If you’ve written — or lost — a competitive offer anywhere in King, Pierce, or Snohomish County, there’s a good chance an escalation clause was part of the conversation. It’s one of the most common tools buyers use to compete on price without having to guess the exact winning number upfront. It’s also one of the most misunderstood. [Read more…]

Mortgage Porter Weekly: Cooling Job Market, Rates Slightly Improved, Inflation Data Ahead

Welcome to this week’s Mortgage Porter Weekly update! In this video, I cover last week’s labor market data, where mortgage rates stand according to the Optimal Blue index, the economic reports to watch this week, and a look at where mortgage-backed securities are trading this morning. Plus, this week’s spotlight is for anyone who’s been turned down for a mortgage – don’t give up!

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Retirement, Social Security, Disability, Assets & Other Income: What Counts Toward Your Mortgage

Retirement Income, Asset Income, Social Security InNot all qualifying income comes from a paycheck. If you’re retired, receiving Social Security or disability benefits, collecting alimony or child support, or drawing income from investments or a trust, that income can often be used to qualify for a mortgage — but each type comes with its own documentation rules and quirks.

This rounds out the income series I’ve been building — if you haven’t seen the others, they cover salary, hourly, and variable income, bonus, overtime, and commission income, RSU and restricted stock income, self-employed and 1099 income, and rental income. This post covers everything else — income you receive independent of currently working. [Read more…]

Condo & HOA Red Flags Before You Buy in Washington State

HOA Red Flags in Washington State

Buying a condo or townhome in Washington means you’re not just qualifying for a mortgage — you’re buying into an association’s finances too. This guide walks through what to check before you write an offer, how HOA dues factor into your qualifying ratios (now and later, if you refinance), and how reserve funding, litigation, and special assessments can affect your financing. [Read more…]

The Mortgage Porter Weekly | Fed Holds Rates, Jobs Week & Condo Financing Changes

Welcome back to Mortgage Porter Weekly! This week we’re covering the Fed’s decision to hold rates steady, what to expect from Friday’s jobs report, and a big shift in condo financing that takes effect today. Watch the video above, then read on for the details. [Read more…]