Archives for February 2015

What is Delayed Financing?

MortgagePorterHourGlassHouseIn today’s competitive housing market, we are seeing more buyers using “all cash” to purchase their homes. Delayed financing allows home buyers who pay cash for a home to obtain cash out, using a refinance, without it being treated as a “cash out” refi. A “cash-out” refi has stricter requirements, including having to wait 6 months after closing before being able to refi. Delayed financing allows home owners to recoup the cash used to purchase the home.

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What May Impact Mortgage Rates this Week: February 23, 2015

mortgageporter-economyThis week is packed full of economic indicators and events that may influence the direction of mortgage interest rates, including Fed Head Janet Yellen’s two day testimony in front of Congress which starts tomorrow. Here’s a list of economic indicators scheduled to be released this week:

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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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And the Fed said… [LIVE MORTGAGE RATE POST]

20140504_210758Mortgage rates are pretty much unchanged following yesterday’s sell off in the bond market causing rates to trend higher. Today at 11:00 am Seattle time, the Fed will release the minutes from the last FOMC meeting. This tends to influence mortgage rates so I thought it would be interesting to do a live rate mortgage rate post. You can follow me on Twitter @mortgageporter to see when I’ve updated this post.

Rates quoted below will be based on a sales price of $500,000 with 20% down payment, loan amount of $400,000. Borrowers have credit scores of 740 or higher. Rates quoted are subject to credit approval and may change at anytime. If I can provide you with a mortgage rate quote, click here.

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My first time at a foreclosure auction

2015-02-13 09.44.30I recently attended my first trustee sale on the King County courthouse steps. The house next door to us, that has been vacant for a couple years was scheduled to be auctioned. My husband and I were curious as to who might be purchasing the property and I’ve always wanted to see what happens at a foreclosure auction.

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What May Impact Mortgage Rates this Week: February 16, 2015

2013-08-06_0653Happy President’s Day! Our office is closed today to observe the holiday and will reopen for business as usual tomorrow morning. Mortgage rates inched higher last week following the stronger than expected Jobs Report. Overall, mortgage rates are still very low and offer a great opportunity for home buyers and home owners who are considering refinancing. Click here if I can provide you with a current mortgage rate quote.

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Home Buyer Class in Greenwood – Phinney Ridge

Seattle Home Buyer Classes

I will be teaching a home buyer class in Seattle with Jim Repppond of Coldwell Banker Danforth on Saturday, April 18, 2015 at the Greenwood Library in Seattle.

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What May Impact Mortgage Rates this Week: February 9, 2015.

mortgageporter-economyThis week’s economic calendar appears to be sparse. Watch for mortgage rates to take direction from the stock market. Often, mortgage rates will react opposite to the stock market as rates are based on mortgage backed securities (bonds). When stocks are having a stellar day, traders will often pull bonds (like mortgage backed securities) to invest in stocks. And when the Dow is dropping, we tend to see mortgage rates improve as investors will seek the safety of bonds.

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