Help for Seniors Being Priced Out of their Homes

I was in a neighborhood group on Facebook where someone was sharing that they were having to sell their home that had been in the family for generations. They can no longer afford living in the Seattle area and had made the difficult decision to move their family. If you’re 62 or better, you may not have to sell your home to create a more affordable lifestyle.

Before selling, I recommend considering a reverse mortgage. A reverse mortgage can help provide relief by eliminating the monthly mortgage payments and/or by providing cash that can be used for home improvements, debt consolidation, medical needs or anything the homeowner wants. Credit does not have to be perfect and they will still maintain ownership the home. It is, at the very least, worth having a conversation with a trained reverse mortgage specialist to see if it’s something that will work for your scenario.  A reverse mortgage can be used on the existing home, add an accessory dwelling unit or even buy your next home (without having a mortgage payment due).

Another option for senior homeowners is to apply for the senior property tax exemption to reduce their property tax bill. As I write this post (June 2025), homeowners in King County who are 62 years or better with incomes under $84,000 can apply. Check with your county tax accessor to see what the requirements are and if you qualify – there is no reason to pay more than you have to!

If I can be of any assistance, please contact me. I work with a great team who are happy to have a conversation with you and answer any questions you may have about reverse mortgages. Let’s talk!

 

Mortgage Rate Update for the Week of June 2, 2025

It’s the first week of June and that means we have the Jobs Report being unleashed on Friday along with other employment data this week. Check out my weekly Mortgage Rate Update to learn how this and what else may impact mortgage interest rates this week.

 

Fannie Mae’s Upbeat Mortgage Rate Forecast with Rates in the 5s!

Fannie Mae recently released their monthly forecast for housing. May’s forecast predicts 30 year fixed conforming mortgage rates with rates entering the 5% range in the second quarter of 2026.

While hearing that the 30-year fixed rate might hit the 5% range next year is music to many ears, there are some things I would keep in mind. For starters, the rates are NOT guaranteed – it’s just a forecast… although I’d rather see a forecast with mortgage interest rates trending lower instead of rates pushing higher. 😉 [Read more…]

Celebrating my 25 Years in the Mortgage Industry

25 years ago, I left my career in the title and escrow career to become a mortgage loan officer. I announced it on April fools day to the real estate agents that I was no longer going to be their title rep and that I was making the move to the mortgage side. Many were shocked as I had been in the title industry for 14 years and was pretty established. It was a big move! [Read more…]

In Memory of Jim Reppond

Jim Reppond passed away on November 11, 2024. I was so saddened and surprised to learn about this and I just think that I haven’t been ready to accept it. Jim had met me for lunch a couple of months earlier in Seattle and I’m so glad we took the time to catch up. It would be our last conversation. [Read more…]

It’s Fed Day! [Live Post] NO CHANGE to the Fed Funds Rate

8:15 a.m.  Today around 11:00 am PST, we’ll have the decision from the FOMC on whether they are making any adjustments to the federal funds interest rate. Odds are very strong (99.5% per the CME Group) that there will be no change at this meeting. This is what the markets are anticipating. If the Fed surprises us, then markets will react dramatically. The Fed’s actions and market reactions are what may impact mortgage rates today as mortgage rates are based on bonds (mortgage-backed securities).  The Fed does not directly control mortgage interest rates.

Following the Fed announcement today, Fed Chair Powell will hold a press conference. What he says (or what the market interprets from his press conference) may also impact the direction of mortgage interest rates. The markets are watching for signs that inflation is cooling (good for mortgage rates) or if inflation is being stubborn (bad for mortgage rates).

Right now, MBS 30 year is pretty flat (down 4 basis points). [Read more…]

First Mortgage Rate Update for 2025!

We have a lot on the economic calendar that may impact mortgage rates this week, including jobs data. Check out my weekly update to learn how rates are kicking of the new year and also, learn how one of my clients are benefiting from buying a home two years ago.

 

Mortgage Market Update for the Week of September 30, 2024

It’s Jobs Week with the first week of October. Here’s my latest update featuring what may impact mortgage rates this week.

If you would like to learn more about mortgages for your personal scenario, please contact me!

PS: Go Seahawks!!!