My Seattle Kitchen Remodel: Selecting Countertops

A few weeks ago, I shared that we’re remodeling our kitchen. Boy-oh-boy what a chore it is…we started the process months ago and are just starting to see light at the end of the tunnel. As I’m going through this first hand, I thought I’d share tidbits of things we’re learning along the way.  Today, I’ll share the story of our kitchen counters.

Let’s start by discussing what we had on our “old” kitchen (photo above). [Read more…]

Mortgage rates ahead of the Jobs Report

Freddie Mac’s PMMS (Prime Mortgage Market Survey) shows the 30 year fixed rate averaged just under 4% last week at 3.93% priced with 0.500 points.


Tomorrow morning, the Jobs Report will be released which may impact rates for better or worse. Stay tuned!

If I can help you with your refinance or home purchase anywhere in Washington state, please contact me.

Gorgeous homes around $500k? Get OUT of Seattle!

This week, a real estate agent asked me to prepare some financial flyers for listings in Pierce County. The homes are stunning – I live in Seattle and cannot imagine having a large garage for our cars…although before living in Seattle, I had a sweet 2 3/4 garage. [Read more…]

Fannie Mae updates underwriting guidelines at the end of this month

Effective July 29, 2017, Fannie Mae will release DU Version 10.1, packed full to changes to their underwriting guidelines. These changes apply to Fannie Mae conforming mortgages (Freddie Mac has different guidelines). Here are some of updates effective at the end of this month:

50% Debt-to-Income Ratios. [Read more…]

Limited Time Offer: WSHFC is offering grants for closing cost!

Last night, the Washington State Housing Finance Commission announced it is offering grants to help with down payment and closing cost for buyers when they use specific programs offered by WSHFC. This is very helpful in a “seller’s market” where sellers are very unlikely to contribute towards closing cost for a potential buyer. [Read more…]

Financing a “multi-generational” home


It’s becoming more common for families to have multiple generations living under the same roof. Some families opt to commit to buying a “multi-generational” home together designed to accommodate their lifestyle, whether it’s a home with an attached or detached dwelling unit (aka mother-in-law apartment) or even a home built specifically for generations to live together, there are options available for living with your parents and/or grown children. [Read more…]

Second Mortgages and Home Equity Lines of Credit

Mortgage Master Service Corporation has second mortgages (home equity lines of credit aka HELOC) available for homes located anywhere in Washington state. The second mortgage/HELOC is limited to owner occupied/primary residences and second homes. They are not currently available for investment property. [Read more…]

Mortgage rates holding steady at record lows

Freddie Mac’s weekly survey of mortgage rates (PMMS) were released this morning showing rates remaining at near record lows.


Click here for current rates for your home located in Washington state. [Read more…]