Another reason to pay off your credit card debts

Yesterday I read an interesting article in the Seattle Times about how (and why) to pay off your credit card debt as soon as possible. The article warns of a slowing economy and future rate hikes by the Fed, which will translate to higher interest rates on credit card debt. In addition to the higher rates, the slower economy may cause some people to have reduced income which will be more challenging with the high interest rate debt.

The article encourages readers to have an emergency savings fund and to focus on paying off credit card debt. [Read more…]

Home Equity Loans and Home Equity Lines of Credit

If you have been wanting to spruce up your kitchen, bathroom or any part of your home and you don’t want to touch your low interest rate on your existing mortgage, a second mortgage could be an option worth considering. [Read more…]

Marry the House. Date the Rate.

I can’t take credit for the catchy phrase “Marry the house. Date the rate”. It’s being posted by mortgage professionals and real estate agents all over social media. What does this phrase mean? [Read more…]

Arts in the Park in Puyallup

Yesterday I had the opportunity to participate at Arts in the Park at the Pioneer Park Pavilion in Puyallup. This was my first time demonstrating and being on the other side of the booth at an art fair. I really had a great time.

[Read more…]

Mortgage rates pushing higher

Mortgage interest rates have been moving higher at a pace not seen in years. If you’ve been a subscriber to The Mortgage Porter, you may recall that I often say mortgage rates move up much faster than they come down…the jump over the last few days has surprised many. [Read more…]

Using Cryptocurrency for a Down Payment

Cryptocurrency, like Bitcoin, CAN be used for funds for closing on a home as long as the cryptocurrency (i.e. virtual currency) meets certain criteria. Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac require that the funds be exchanged into U.S. dollars and that held in a U.S. regulated financial institution. In order to use conventional financing, there needs to be enough documentation to meet conventional guidelines, including: [Read more…]

Mortgage Rates slightly improved

NOTE: Rates posted below are expired. For current rates on homes located anywhere in Washington state, please click here.

Freddie Mac’s Prime Mortgage Market Survey released this morning shows that mortgage rates have been slightly improving.


It’s important to note that this data is from last week and that these rates are not current. This graph merely illustrates the movement of interest rates over the 12 months. The bottom row actually dates back to 1970. [Read more…]

Fed Raises Funds Rate a Half Point

Today wrapped up the two-day FOMC meeting and Chairman Powell announced that the funds rate will be increased by a half point. As of today, the federal funds rate is 0.75-1% and is expected to another 2 percent by the end of the year.

From the FOMC statement: [Read more…]