Conforming loan limits are increasing for 2020 to $510,400 for a single family dwelling. Counties that are considered “high cost” such as King County, Pierce County and Snohomish County qualify to have a “high balance conforming” loan limit of $741,750. [Read more…]
My Seattle Kitchen Remodel: Flooring
Probably one of the toughest decisions we had to make, next to the counter-tops, was what to do with our flooring. We had a wood floor with a beautiful painted surface. Unfortunately, it was a real challenge to keep it clean and the paint was wearing off. Plus the lighter blond finish didn’t really go with our cabinets.
[Read more…]Major recording issues in King County
If you are closing on a refinance or home purchase in King County, you need to be aware of an issue going on with the recorders office. It’s my understanding that on Tuesday, title companies received this message:
“Hello Everyone,
I wanted to update you and keep you aware of a technical issue we are experiencing in the King County Recorder’s Office. We are having substantial problems with our recording system which is causing slow downs and interruptions to service in all aspects of the recording process. Our software vendor and our IT department are working together to resolve this issue as quickly as possible. While the problem persists we may not be able to meet our commitment to providing same day service even for those packages received before cutoff. We will work hard to ensure that all items are recorded either after hours or first thing the next day.
My apologies for the inconvenience on this. I know that this is a busy time for everyone and we are doing all we can to resolve it quickly.
Today, I’m told that King County’s recorders office closed at 5pm stranding hundreds of transactions from recording.”
If your transaction, refinance or purchase, does not “record” then it’s not of public record. Hopefully people can be flexible and nobody is seriously financially damaged by what’s going on with King County.
Hat tip to Lorie Cantu Wiest of Fidelity National Title Insurance Company.
Freddie Mac Home Possible reduces income limits

Freddie Mac has announced changes to their Home Possible mortgage program. Freddie Mac’s Home Possible and Fannie Mae’s Home Ready mortgage programs offers competitive pricing with interest rates and reduced private mortgage insurance premiums for home buyers. [Read more…]
It could be time to refi!
Mortgage rates for a 30 year fixed conventional mortgage are back to very low levels. This is largely due to current global concerns which may create a opportunity of opportunity for those who may benefit from a refinance.
It may make sense for you to refi if: [Read more…]
How to determine what home price you qualify for
It used to be that people would say that you can qualify to buy a home three times your annual salary…this is actually not really the case. When qualifying to buy a home (i.e. get a mortgage) lenders consider your income, monthly debts and the amount of funds you have for down payment and closing cost. [Read more…]
Honoring our Hometown Heroes
Mortgage Master Service Corporation recently started a program to honor our local heroes. We are now offering a $625 credit towards closing cost for a home purchase or refinance when we provide the mortgage.
Mortgage Master Service Corporation’s Hometown Heroes program is available for:
- Police Officers
- Firefighters and EMTs
- Doctors and Nurses
- Teachers
- Military
We thank our heroes for taking care of our community and hope we can take care of you with your mortgage needs. Please feel free to share this! I’m am honored to help you with any home purchase or refi on homes located in Washington state.
Note: This program cannot be combined with any WSHFC program. Program and pricing subject to change.
Mortgage Rates trending higher
Freddie Mac’s weekly mortgage rate report (PMMS) based on a survey of mortgage interest rates from applications last week show that mortgage rates continued to move higher.
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