Fannie Mae is scheduled to update their automated underwriting system (aus) Desktop Underwriter (DU) to DU Version 9.1 on November 16, 2013. In their release notes from August 20, 2013, Fannie Mae reveals that for they will increase the minimum down payment from 3% to 5% for Fannie Mae conventional loans.
S&P Case Shiller: Seattle home prices on the rise
July 30, 2013 by Leave a Comment
This morning the S&P/Case Shiller Home Prices Index was released revealing gains across the board for the 20 city index.
The report states that Seattle had their largest monthly gain to home prices since April 1990 of 3.15% from April to May.
Year over year, Seattle boasted double digit gains of 11.9% for May.
This can be good news for people in the greater Seattle area who are considering selling their home and for those who have been waiting for home values to improve so they can refinance.
Mortgage interest rates are off their record lows. However, they are still what would be considered historically low.
If you’re interested in getting preapproved to buy a home or refinancing your existing home located in Washington State, I’m happy to help you!
Eight Down Payment Assistance Programs for Washington Home Buyers
July 18, 2013 by 12 Comments
Did you know that the Washington State Housing Finance Commission offers 8 different down payment assistance programs for Washington state home buyers? It’s true! And some of them do not require you to be a first time home buyer. The WSHFC down payment assistance programs listed below can be used with a Home Advantage first mortgage:
Updating your Preapproval Letter
June 1, 2013 by 2 Comments
I’m often asked by home buyers “does my preapproval letter expire” or “what happens if we don’t find a home in a few months”. Preapproval letters should include two dates: when the letter was prepared and when the preapproval expires. Fear not, most of the time, it should just take providing a couple documents to your loan officer so they can “dust off” your application and provide an updated pre-approval letter.
What is the difference between a Preapproval Letter and a Loan Commitment Letter?
May 14, 2013 by 7 Comments
Last week I shared how it’s pretty much mandatory that if you are a home buyer making an offer on a home located in the greater Seattle area, you better be equipped with a strong preapproval letter from a reputable lender.
Some home buyers are taking this a step further and requesting a Loan Commitment Letter from their lender. What’s the difference?
There are actually three levels of qualifications that a potential home buyer may have after contacting a lender. Please keep in mind that not all lenders may have the same standards or definitions as what I’m posting here.
Is it necessary in Seattle to get preapproved to make an offer on a home?
May 10, 2013 by 1 Comment
Recently one of my out of state clients who is looking to buy an investment home in Seattle asked “Is it necessary in Seattle to get preapproved?”
The short answer: YES! Unless you’re paying cash! And if you are paying cash, be prepared to show the listing agent and seller that you have proof of funds.
Redfin’s “Bidding War Report” reveals Seattle is the 5th most competitive housing markets in the nation with 74.6% of offers “facing competition” (multiple offers) last month.
With Seattle area home sellers having more than just one offer from potential home buyers to choose from, you must be preapproved by a reputable local lender. Listing agents will help the seller review the offers to determine which one is the best for their situation.
According to the Bidding War Report, if you’re buying a home in Seattle, you may want to consider getting your home inspection done BEFORE making your offer (aka a “pre-inspection”). Last month, 14.3% of “winning offers” on Seattle homes had pre-inspections and 19% waived their inspection contingency.
Pre-Inspect-to-Play: This 2-bedroom, 1-bath home in Seattle’s Phinney Ridge neighborhood had 300 showings, 19 pre-inspections (a competitive strategy common in Seattle in which the buyer has the home inspected before submitting an offer so that they can safely waive the inspection contingency), and more than 30 offers….
What did the “winning offers” have for financing in Seattle last month?
- 63.1% used conventional financing
- 4.8% used FHA or VA financing
- 2.4% paid cash
10.7% of “winning offers” waived their financing contingency. 17.9% of “winning offers” included a cover letter, or a “love letter” to the seller about why they want to buy their home.
This is great news for home owners who have been contemplating selling their home. Last night, King 5 aired this story about a couple from Seattle who sold their home in a matter of days for more than they expected with several strong offers to choose from.
Rising home prices will also help home owners who have been waiting for their home values to go up so they can refinance (if they don’t already qualify for HARP or a FHA/VA streamline refi).
ATTENTION HOME BUYERS is the greater Seattle area: you’ve got to get your game on if you want to “win” in a multiple offer situation! Be sure to get preapproved from a local trusted lender. Your preapproval letter needs to be strong enough to give the seller and listing agent confidence that you are the most qualified buyer with the highest odds of having the transaction close quickly and without issues. Here’s a list of what you’ll need in order to be truly preapproved…if you’re working with a lender who has not requested these items, you’re probably just prequalifed and there is a HUGE difference.
If you are considering buying or refinancing a home located in Seattle or anywhere in Washington state, where I’m licensed, I am happy to help you! I have been helping home buyers with their mortgage needs at Mortgage Master Service Corporation for 13 years. Click here for a rate quote or contact me to start the preapproval process.
