Washington State Mortgages, Made Clear. Buying or Refinancing? Let's find the right loan together.
This morning, Japan announced their GDP (gross domestic product) continues to decline, giving US mortgage bonds a slight boost. This week has a lot of economic indicators scheduled to be released that could impact the direction of mortgage rates. Keep an eye out for data that reveals inflation, as that will cause mortgage rates to trend higher.
Currently mortgage rates are continuing to improve (see below) compared to last week’s mortgage rate post.
This is a short week with Veterans Day on Tuesday (bond markets will be closed) and a light economic calendar. Rates are improved compared to what I quoted last Monday.
I am honored, humbled and amazed to be a finalist in three categories at this year’s Business and Humanitarian Awards Gala, which took place on Friday. This annual event is organized by the Washington Association of Mortgage Professionals to recognize Washington real estate professionals (mortgage, real estate brokers, title and escrow) who are the epitome of their profession.
To receive the award for Outstanding Loan Originator was a complete surprise to me, despite being a finalist. I wish I would have prepared something to say when the award was presented. Between the shock, the bright lights and the 200 plus glamorous faces staring up at me, I was almost rendered speechless.
Mel Watt, Director of the FHFA, has released his prepared remarks for the National Association of Realtors Conference. In his remarks, he addresses the lower down payment options that should be available soon with conforming mortgages and that they will require compensating factors.
I will be teaching a home buyer class in Seattle with Jim Repppond of Coldwell Banker Danforth on Saturday, November 15, 2014 at the Coldwell Banker Danforth’s Seattle office, which is located just south of the Northgate Mall.
The class is sponsored by the Washington State Housing Finance Commission. Students who attend are eligible for programs like Home Advantage or House Key Opportunity (the Washington state bond program) or Freddie Mac Home Possible. Students are also eligible for various down payment assistance programs and MCC (mortgage credit certificates).
If you are considering buying a home with your spouse, partner or friend, they will need to attend the class with you to qualify for the programs. You do not need to be a first time home buyer to qualify for many of the mortgage programs. And of course, you’re welcome to attend if you’re not interested in down payment assistance programs and you just want to learn more about the home buying process. [Read more…]
