BREAKING NEWS: Conforming Loan Limits are HIGHER for 2019

Conforming loan limits effective 2019 will be increased from $453,100 to $484,350 for a single family dwelling. Homes located in “high balance areas” such as King County, Pierce County or Snohomish County, will have a conforming high balance loan limit of $726,525 from $667,000.

Stay tuned for a complete list of the 2019 conforming loan limits for homes located in Washington state.

PS: If you are considering refinancing or buying a home and want the higher loan limits with today’s interest rates, you may not have to wait! Contact me for more information if your home is located any where in Washington state, where I’m licensed.

Our Veterans DESERVE to use a VA Mortgage Loan

I’ve been trying to think about how to title this post without “shaming” real estate agents or home sellers… but I do feel that it’s really unfortunate that some still have a low view of VA mortgages. Men and women who have dedicated their lives to serve our country and protect our freedom have EARNED the privilege to have a VA mortgage loan. Those of us who have not committed to serve do not have this benefit… and it is a benefit. [Read more…]

Greater Seattle’s Shifting Real Estate Market

You’ve probably heard that the Seattle’s sizzling real estate market has cooled a bit with home prices starting to come down. This is great news for folks who have grown weary battling in bidding wars only to have their offers rejected time after time. It looks like, at least right now, things may be returning to be more “normal”. [Read more…]

Amazon Raises and How Changes to Pay Structure Impacts Qualifying for a Mortgage

Amazon recently announced that it’s increasing it’s minimum wage to $15 for all employees, including part-time, seasonal employees and temps effective November 1, 2018. Amazon states this will benefit more than 250,000 employees and over 100,000 people who will be hired for the upcoming holiday season. Even Operations and Customer Service employees who are already making $15 per hour will receive an increase to their hourly wage. [Read more…]

Mortgage interest rates continue to trend higher

This morning Freddie Mac released their weekly Prime Mortgage Market Survey (PMMS) showing that mortgage interest rates are continuing to trend higher. Click here for current mortgage interest rates in greater Seattle and beyond.

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Mortgage Master Service Corporation on the radio

mortgage master kent waYou may have noticed hearing “Mortgage Master Service Corporation” mentioned on the radio lately. This is because Mortgage Master Service Corporation has recently welcomed Laura Kiel (MLO54744) and family to join our company. Not only do they advertise on the radio, her team also host weekly radio shows. I’m still surprised when I listen to the radio and hear an ad that mentions our company name. [Read more…]

King County Property Tax Valuation Notice

Did you receive your “Official Property Value Notice” over the weekend? Let’s just say that I’m not surprised to see how much our values have gone up…although, in my opinion, I think the 2018 assessed value of my home is higher than what I could most likely sell it for. [Read more…]

Mortgage rates bumping along

Freddie Mac’s weekly report on mortgage rates, the Prime Mortgage Market Survey (aka PMMS) which shows what mortgage rates averaged last week, shows that rates bumped slightly higher. Remember, mortgage rates change constantly as they are based on bonds (mortgage backed securities). Rates posted are subject to change and, since this is an average from last week, they already have changed. This report is just intended to provide an idea of the direction of where mortgage rates have been and where they may be heading. If you would like current rates for your personal scenario, please contact me.

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