Mortgage Rates hit 2017 lows!

Freddie Mac released their weekly Prime Mortgage Market Survey today announcing that mortgage rates hit 2017 lows
The PMMS is based on average rates for conforming mortgages from last week. The rates do not include closing cost and are priced with 0.5 point.

From the PMMS:

Attributed to Sean Becketti, chief economist, Freddie Mac.
“The 10-year Treasury yield fell 6 basis points this week amid concerns over lagging inflation. The 30-year mortgage rate also declined for the fourth consecutive week, dropping 3 basis points to a new year-to-date low of 3.86 percent.”

If you’re considering refinancing, you may be in luck! If you would like me to provide you with a current mortgage rate quote for your personal scenario for your property located anywhere in Washington state, please click here.

New Updated Guide Book for First Time Home Buyers

Hot off the press (or keyboard?)! The eBook that I wrote for first time home-buyers has been completely updated. Please feel free to share this with anyone you know who is considering buying a home anywhere in Washington state. You can access the eBook below or by clicking this link: Your First Home Mortgage Guide Book by Rhonda Porter 

 

Of course, if you’re considering buying your first, second home, vacation or rental homes in Washington state, I am happy to help you! Click here for a no hassle rate quote or here to start the preapproval process.

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…]