Archives for April 2014

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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What May Impact Mortgage Rates this Week: April 28, 2014 – Mortgage Rates are Lower!

mortgageporter-economyThis week is jam packed with data that may impact the direction of mortgage interest rates. Mortgage rates are based on bonds (mortgage backed securities) and are traded similar to stocks. Often times, mortgage rates will improve when we see the stock market taking a hit or rise when the stock market is rallying. This is because investors will trade the safety of bonds for the greater returns potentially found with stocks. The reverse is also true.

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Grant Down Payment Assistance: a Seattle Real Estate Chat Video

I’m real excited that we’re able to offer the NHB Grant Program at our company.  During this week’s episode of Seattle Real Estate Chat with Jim Reppond, we covered some of the details about this down payment assistance program that home buyers do not pay back.

If you are interested in this or any mortgage program for homes located in the state of Washington, please contact me.

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.

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Comparing Low Down Payment Mortgage Programs

Young Couple With New HouseEDITORS NOTE: Fannie Mae is no longer offering the FannieMae HomePath mortgage program. If you are considering buying a Fannie Mae HomePath property (foreclosure that is owned by Fannie Mae) in Washington state, I’m happy to help you.

Home buyers have so many options today for selecting a mortgage today. We have several mortgage programs designed to help people buy a home who want to use less down payment. Many of these programs do not require the borrower to be a first time home buyer. Home buyers should compare all possible options before making a decision on what program is best suited for their personal financial scenario.

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What May Impact Mortgage Rates this Week: April 21, 2014

mortgageporter-economyThis week’s economic calendar appears to be a little on the light side. There are no economic indicators due today. Here are the economic indicators scheduled to be released this week:

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House Key Washington State Bond financing to return

Washington State Bond House KeyIt’s anticipated that funds will become available for the House Key program in a couple weeks. House Key is the Washington state bond program that offers below market rates to borrowers that meet certain criteria, including income limits. Income limits vary by county and family size.

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What May Impact Mortgage Rates this Week: April 14, 2014

mortgageporter-economyMy apologies for the late posting… we decided to have a long weekend and so I took Monday off. Here are some of the economic indicators scheduled to be released this week which may impact the direction of mortgage interest rates:

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