Washington State Mortgages, Made Clear. Buying or Refinancing? Let's find the right loan together.
This week’s economic calendar is on the lighter side. Here are some of the economic indicators scheduled to be released this week:
A Step-by-Step Guide for Washington Homebuyers (Updated for 2026)If you’ve found a home that needs work — outdated kitchen, worn roof, cosmetic issues, or more significant repairs — you may be wondering:
“Can I finance the purchase and the renovation together?”
In many cases, the answer is yes — through an FHA 203(k) rehabilitation loan, a program insured by the Federal Housing Administration.
An FHA 203(k) loan allows you to purchase (or refinance) a home and finance eligible repairs into one mortgage.
But where do you actually start?
Here’s a clear, practical breakdown. [Read more…]
I hope you’re enjoying your summer. Can you believe that it’s already August? Tomorrow, August 5, 2014, is Seattle Night Out (actually, National Night Out) and many neighborhoods will be getting to know each better over block parties and/or pot luck dinners during this annual crime prevention event. This is a great excuse to get to know your neighbors better so if you don’t have anything planned tomorrow, why not knock on a few doors and have an impromptu pot luck? 🙂
Photo: Our puppy, Hitch, having fun with one of his neighbors, Sadie.
The Washington State Housing Finance Commission has recently offered more pricing options with their Home Advantage first mortgage program. Originally, all Home Advantage products were priced with 1 point. One point equals 1 percent of the loan amount and is paid at closing. This closing cost cuts into the down payment assistance that many home buyers are hoping to utilize when they are using the Home Advantage Mortgage program.
This week is packed full of economic indicators that may influence mortgage interest rates, including the Fed meeting on Wednesday and Jobs Report on Friday. The Jobs Report carries a lot of weight with mortgage rates as it may indicate inflation. As the economy and employment improves, we may see signs of wage inflation. Inflation is the arch enemy of bonds, like mortgage backed securities – which mortgage rates are based on. World tensions may also impact mortgage rates as investors may seek the safety found in bonds.
