My First Post “In Flight” on Alaska Airlines

June 8, 2011 by Leave a Comment

I'm actually in route to Denver as I type this post.  I'm a speaker at the first ever Mortgage Tech Summit which will be taking place tomorrow. I'm going to be showing fellow mortgage professionals how I create "talking" rate quotes and good faith estimates.  If I've helped you with a refinance or buying a home in the past few years, then you're familar with this tool that I provide my clients.  I've received wonderful feedback since my clients can refer back to their talking quotes and good faith estimates at their convenience and share them with their trusted financial advisor, real estate agents or family members.  It's been an instrumental part of my business practice.

Even if I wasn't invited to speak at this event, I'd be on my to Denver for this event. I'm looking forward to all of the sessions and to learning from mortgage professionals from across the country whom I respect. 

It's not too late to sign up if you're interested in joining us and you can follow the event by watching #MTS11 on Twitter.

I will be checking email and voice mail on breaks and will be back in Seattle on Friday.

Filed Under: Events

This Week Could be a Doozie for Mortgage Interest Rates

April 25, 2011 by Leave a Comment

In the past, I've included the scheduled events that may impact mortgage interest rates in my rate weekly rate post.  However, this week is so packed data that I thought it was worthy of a post all its own.  Check this out (items that are bold tend to be the may be the most influential to rates):

Monday, April 25:  New Home Sales

Tuesday, April 26:  Consumer Confidence

Wednesday, April 27:  FOMC Meeting and Durable Goods Orders

Thursday, April 28:  Gross Domestic Product, Initial Jobless Claims, GDP Chain Deflator and Pending Home Sales.

Friday, April 29:  Personal Consumption Expenditures and Core PCE, Employment Cost Index, Chicago PMI and Consumer Sentiment Index (UoM).

Wednesday, we'll learn if the Fed's interest rate decision and possibly gain clues as to their plans with QE2.  Ben Bernanke is going to be having a news conference following the FOMC meeting which many will be tuned into hoping for clarity on his views of the direction of our economy.  You can see the entire week offers plenty of data to be digested.  

Remember, mortgage rates are based on mortgage backed securities (bonds) and are not set by the Fed.  Mortgage rates may are impacted by how MBS are being traded on the bond markets.  When the stock market is rallying or there are signs of inflation, mortgage rates tend to raise higher.  When the stocks are tanking, investors will often seek the safety of bonds which will cause rates to move lower.

Whether or not you should lock or float (not lock) your interest rate depends on your personal risk tolerance.  My general stance is that if you like the rate that is currently available – you should consider locking.  Decide which scenario is worse for you: losing today's rate by not locking or locking todays rate with a rate drop tomorrow.  Please discuss this with your local mortgage professional.  I am a NMLS Licensed Mortgage Originator dedicated solely to Washington State.    If you are interested in a mortgage for a home located anywhere in Washington State, I am happy to help you.

NOTE:  I plan on posting mortgage interest rates today.  Stay tuned!

Filed Under: Economy, Events, The Fed - FOMC

The Mortgage Porter’s 4th Anniversary

November 28, 2010 by 2 Comments

I'm not sure if it's an anniversary or birthday, but I do know that this blog was created four years ago today.   Here's the post that launched The Mortgage Porter.

I cannot imagine not having my blog.  It has become a significant part of my career.  It helps me communicate with my clients, has become a resource to help educate my readers, some days it serves as a form of therapy when I can "vent" frustration and it's also brought me amazing opportunities.   There are so many wonderful people whom I have had the opportunity to know because of Mortgage Porter and social media.

Thank you so much for reading Mortgage Porter.

Filed Under: Current Affairs, Events

Washington State LO’s – You Don’t Want to Miss This Event!

October 30, 2010 by Leave a Comment

VIBEThe Washington Association of Mortgage Professionals is holding their annual awards luncheon  which will be featuring speakers and presentations.   The person I am most looking forward to hearing is Laura Gipe.   Laura is a Compliance Officer with HUD and has been very involved with the Good Faith Estimate.  

She has been a great resource for me when I've had questions about HUD's 2010 GFE and I can't wait to learn what she has to say about the future of the GFE.

ANY mortgage originator who is planning on originating residential mortgage loans beyond this year should attend.  

This takes place November 5, 2010 at the SeaTac Holiday Inn.  You can register by clicking here.   Register by November 3, 2010 for discounted rates!

Download MortgageVibe2010Flyer

I hope to see you there!

Filed Under: Events

Free Workshop for King County Marine Waterfront and Bluff Property Home Owners

May 1, 2010 by Leave a Comment

The King Conservation District is holding a series of free workshops for property owners along the marine shorelines and bluffs of King County.    The workshop will provide an opportunity to learn about the ecological, geological and vegetation management issues associated with owning a home located on marine waterfront or a bluff.

Topics will include:

  • Understanding marine near-shore and riparian ecology
  • Recognizing geologic hazards
  • Using native vegetation to reduce erosion and to improve fish and wildlife habitat

Who should attend:

  • Beach property owners interested in a stable natural shoreline
  • Bluff property owners interested in reducing the potential for erosion and landslides
  • Any marine shoreline or bluff property owner interested in improving fish and wildlife habitat.

When and where:

All workshops are from 9:00 am – 12:30 pm (indoor session) and 12:30 – 3:30 pm (optional pre-order boxed lunch $12 and field trip).

Facilitators:

  • Kollin Higgins, King County DNRP WLRD
  • Peter Landry, City of Normand Park
  • Elliott Menashe, Greenbelt Consulting
  • Brandy Reed, Conservation District

To register or for more information contact Brandy Reed at 425-282-1924 or brandy.reed@kingcd.org

Filed Under: Events, Real Estate, Seattle
« Previous Page
Next Page »