Archives for February 2020

Mortgage Rates Remain at Historic Lows

February 20, 2020 by Leave a Comment

Freddie Mac released their weekly Prime Mortgage Market Survey this morning showing that mortgage rates continue to be extremely low.


There are many factors that are causing mortgage rates to remain this low, including increased concern over the coronavirus. Hopefully the virus is contained soon…once that happens, we may see rates return to a more normal level.  Also, with this being an election year, if a Democrat is elected to be our next President, we may see mortgage rates move higher.

Mortgage rates are subject to change…in fact, the mortgage rates posted from Freddie Mac’s PMMS report are an average from last week. Please click here for current mortgage rates based on your personal scenario.

Bottom line, rates are at three year lows making it a great time to refinance or if you’re in the market, buy a home. Most of my clients are dropping their monthly payments significantly which helps them pay off debts or build up savings. If your home is located anywhere in Washington state, where I’m licensed, I would love to help you with your mortgage!

Filed Under: Interest Rates Tagged With:

How Much Home Can You Buy with $97K Income with a Low Down Payment

February 14, 2020 by Leave a Comment

The Seattle City Council recently passed a ban on evictions during winter months in Seattle. I’m all for protecting people when the weather is hazardous, however winter in Seattle is often quite mild. I’m actually very concerned about this legislation and how it may impact the rental market. I’m betting we will see more people decide to sell their Seattle investment property and move to other cities that are friendlier to landlords. Especially once you factor that Seattle laws prevent landlords from being able to screen potential tenants (it’s first come/first serve despite criminal history) and that landlords can only collect up to 1 month’s rent (plus 25% of one months rent if they accept pets) which can be paid over six months. Landlords are really in a risky position if the property is under Seattle’s regulations. [Read more…]

Filed Under: FHA, First Time Home Buyer, Politics Tagged With: ,

King County Property Taxes average 13.7% Higher for 2020

February 13, 2020 by Leave a Comment

The King County Tax Assessor has issued a press release two days before 2020 property taxes will be released. From the press release:

“About 55 percent of property tax revenues collected in King County in 2019 pays for schools. Property taxes also fund voter-approved measures for veterans and seniors, fire protection, and parks. King County receives about 18 percent of your property tax payment for roads, police, criminal justice, public health, elections, and parks, among other services. [Read more…]

Filed Under: Politics, Real Estate Tagged With: ,

There Once was a Renter

February 6, 2020 by Leave a Comment

I was just reviewing one of my client’s mortgages and thought I’d share a happy story with you. I’m REALLY proud of them. I first met Ryan and Rachel Renton (yes, I made up the names…but the rest of the story is true), at a home buyers class that I was teaching. Home buyers interested in the down payment assistance programs offered by the Washington State Housing Finance Commission are required to take a “live” class or an online class in order to qualify for the down payment assistance (dpa). [Read more…]

Filed Under: Down Payment Assistance, First Time Home Buyer Tagged With: , , ,