Happy first day of fall! Mortgage rates continue to be in a fairly tight range and are slightly improved compared to last Monday’s rate post.
Here’s a short list of economic indicators that may impact the direction of mortgage rates this week:
What May Impact Mortgage Rates this Week: September 22, 2014.
September 22, 2014 by 1 Comment
Seattle Home Buyer Education Class on November 8, 2014
September 20, 2014 by Leave a Comment
NOTE: This class has been rescheduled for another date and location.
I will be teaching a home buyer class in Seattle with Jim Repppond of Coldwell Banker Danforth on Saturday, November 8, 2014 at the Greenwood Library in Seattle.
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).
What May Impact Mortgage Rates this Week: September 15, 2014
September 17, 2014 by 1 Comment
This is a painting on black velvet that I did of our Fed Chairwoman, Janet Yellen, that hangs in my office. All eyes and ears will be on the Fed after the two day meeting FOMC meeting wraps up today. Here are some of the economic indicators scheduled to be released this week:
Congratulations to the Washington State Housing Finance Commission!
September 14, 2014 by Leave a Comment
I’ve just learned that last month, the Washington State Housing Finance Commission did their 50,000 closing! In other words, WSHFC has helped over 50,000 families buy a home in Washington state using one of their first mortgage and down payment assistance programs. The 50,000th home buyers are from Federal Way and represent a typical Home Advantage home buyer:
Changes to USDA Mortgages
September 12, 2014 by Leave a Comment
USDA offers mortgages with no down payment for homes that are located in designated rural areas to borrowers who meet household income limits. The mortgage rates are very competitive and the mortgage insurance (technically called “guarantee fees”) are very affordable. It’s truly a great program for those who qualify and are buying a home in rural areas, like Duvall, Enumclaw or Anacortes.
Recently, USDA issued Handbook 3555 with updated regulations for USDA mortgages. Here are just a few of the changes:
