The local media is picking up on an article written by HSH.com that could depress Seattle area home buyers regarding how much income is needed to buy a home in various metropolitan cities. The report relies on data provided by NAR and… ready for this… claims that you need to have an income of $73,851.06 in order to buy a home in the Emerald City.
National Home Buyers Fund Down Payment Assistance now available!
March 20, 2014 by 8 Comments
EDITORS NOTE: It appears as though this program is being suspended effective the end of February 2016. If you’re considering using a grant, you might want to check out other down payment assistance options such as Home Advantage.
I am just learning about a down payment assistance program (dpa) that I now have available at Mortgage Master Service Corporation. The NHF Platinum Program is a little different than what you may be used to as it’s a grant that does not have to be repaid.
80 – 10 – 10’s now are back… at Mortgage Master Service Corporation!
December 31, 2013 by Leave a Comment
It’s back… the 80/10/10 mortgage program which allows home buyers to put just 10% down and avoid having private mortgage insurance via a second mortgage/home equity line of creedit. The second mortgage/home equity line of credit technically does not have to be at 10% with the first mortgage at 80% of the loan to value (sales price). Often times, the mortgages may be structured around conforming loan limits, as long as the total combined loan to value is 90%.
Protect your Preapproval Status over the Holidays
December 11, 2013 by 1 Comment
Tis the Season for holiday shopping. The aggressive sales push this year started BEFORE Thanksgiving with more mega-stores even remaining open on a day when employees should have had the day off (or at least had working on Thanksgiving as being “optional”).Cyber Monday is now cyber week…anyhow, my point is, stores are competing for your dollars. If you are considering buying a home or are currently pre-approved to buy a home, I thought I’d share some tips for you on how to make sure your “pre-approved” status is not jeopardized during the holiday season.
How much income do you need to buy a home in Seattle?
November 17, 2013 by 3 Comments
An article (hat tip to Julie Hall) caught my eye in my Facebook stream regarding how much income a household needs in order to be able to buy a home in various metropolitan cities. According to New York Smash, if you’re going to buy a home in Seattle, you’re going to need an annual income of at least $63,145.41. There’s more to just how much income one makes when it comes to determining “how much” home someone can qualify for. The article does not mention how much down payment a person will need. Let’s run some figures to see just how much income one needs to buy a home in Seattle.
Don’t let these things HAUNT your Preapproval
October 31, 2013 by Leave a Comment
I encourage anyone who is considering buying a home to start the preapproval process as soon as possible. Regardless of if you’re not planning on buying for a year or you think your credit, income and assets are prefect – you never know what underwriters may find lurking in your application.
Question about Home Advantage Down Payment Assistance (DPA)
September 17, 2013 by Leave a Comment
Yesterday I received an email with this question that I thought would be helpful to my readers considering the popular Home Advantage Mortgage program with down payment assistance:
I’ve been studying the different loan programs in WA State and came across your website. We’re considering taking out a Home Advantage mortgage but need clarification on one of the restrictions.
Seattle Home Buyer Education Seminar on September 28, 2013
August 31, 2013 by Leave a Comment
I will be teaching a home buyer education class on Saturday, September 28, 2013 at the Columbia City Library located at 4721 Rainier Avenue South in Seattle. My co-instructor is non-other than Ira Sacharoff, Real Estate Agent with Better Properties Real Estate. Class begins at 11:45 am and ends around 4:45 pm.
We will be serving lunch. Please bring a snack if you have dietary concerns as we will not have a lunch break. Sign up for this class by clicking here.
