Should You Pay Points to Buy Your Interest Rate Down?

Should you pay discount points on a mortgageSince mortgage rates have returned to a more historically “normal” level, many are surprised that mortgage rates a bit higher than they may have been over the past few years. Mortgage rates have been pushed higher largely due to inflation. It’s expected by many industry experts that mortgage rates should improve to the mid-5% range somewhere between this summer to sometime next year. I do not expect to see mortgage rates for the 30 year fixed 4% anytime soon. [Read more…]

Help! Help Me, Rhonda!

Rhonda Porter with her Dad in Renton WAThis past month or so, I have been helping people deal with issues with their mortgage lenders. This isn’t entirely unusual, but it seems to be happening more often in this current market. Sometimes, the client leaves the lender and I “adopt” their transaction and other times, they are able to work it out with the other lender.

I think that part of the issue is that mortgage rates are so volatile right now… and have been for a few months. With mortgage rates in a higher range than what we’ve become accustomed to, more people are focused in on interest rates. Yes, the interest rate you pay on your mortgage IS important, but it’s not the only factor and, in the event a lender is not able to close on a mortgage, choosing a lender mainly because of interest rates can be an expensive decision.

Another factor is that, in Washington state, only about 60% of licensed mortgage loan officers opted to renew their license in 2023. A 40% reduction is pretty significant… this does not factor in the loan officers who work for banks or credit unions (that are not required to be licensed) and who have been laid off or chosen to find another field for employment. [Read more…]

Should you wait to buy a home or buy now?

Hear me out on my latest video and let me know if I can help you with your mortgage needs.

Mortgage Rates trending Lower

Freddie Mac’s PMMS (Prime Mortgage Market Survey) was released this morning showing that mortgage rates have been trending lower.


Please remember, the rates posted above from the PMMS are based on a survey from LAST WEEK… so these interest rates are expired and really just show where interest rates are trending. Please contact me for current mortgage rates for your personal scenario. [Read more…]

Price Adjustments coming soon to Conforming Mortgages

Last week, the FHFA (Federal Housing Finance Agency) announced changes to how conforming mortgages are priced with loan-level price adjustments (LLPAs). Some borrowers will find improved pricing where others will have to pay more in fees. The fees are typically incorporated into the interest rate for the mortgage.

From Fannie Mae’s Lender Letter dated January 19, 2023:

“We are implementing additional changes to our LLPA framework that represent the next step in our effort to increase support for borrowers historically underserved by the housing finance market…”.

[Read more…]

Mortgage Rates Improved!

Mortgage interest rates are having one of their best days in months following the CPI report released this morning showing better than expected data on inflation. Yes, inflation is still high but this morning’s report indicates that it may be starting to correct. [Read more…]

Freddie Mac PMMS: Mortgage Rates on the Rise

Freddie Mac’s Prime Mortgage Market Survey illustrates how mortgage interest rates have continued to push higher. The graph below is based on an average from last week so the rates are “expired”. This graph is to just give you an idea of how mortgage rates are trending.  NOTE: Please click here for current mortgage rates for your personal scenario.

[Read more…]

Fannie Mae projects Mortgage Interest Rates around 4.5% in 2023

Fannie Mae recently released updated projections for interest rates next year. An average of 4.500% for a 30 year fixed would be an improvement from what home buyers and homeowners have experienced since the jump in interest rates that that happened the second quarter of this year. We have to remember that this is just a prediction and many factors influence the direction of mortgage interest rates. [Read more…]