Mortgage interest rates have been moving higher at a pace not seen in years. If you’ve been a subscriber to The Mortgage Porter, you may recall that I often say mortgage rates move up much faster than they come down…the jump over the last few days has surprised many. [Read more…]
Mortgage rates pushing higher
June 14, 2022 by Leave a Comment
Using Cryptocurrency for a Down Payment
June 7, 2022 by Leave a Comment
Cryptocurrency, like Bitcoin, CAN be used for funds for closing on a home as long as the cryptocurrency (i.e. virtual currency) meets certain criteria. Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac require that the funds be exchanged into U.S. dollars and that held in a U.S. regulated financial institution. In order to use conventional financing, there needs to be enough documentation to meet conventional guidelines, including: [Read more…]
Mortgage Rates slightly improved
May 26, 2022 by Leave a Comment
NOTE: Rates posted below are expired. For current rates on homes located anywhere in Washington state, please click here.
Freddie Mac’s Prime Mortgage Market Survey released this morning shows that mortgage rates have been slightly improving.
It’s important to note that this data is from last week and that these rates are not current. This graph merely illustrates the movement of interest rates over the 12 months. The bottom row actually dates back to 1970. [Read more…]
Fed Raises Funds Rate a Half Point
May 4, 2022 by Leave a Comment
Today wrapped up the two-day FOMC meeting and Chairman Powell announced that the funds rate will be increased by a half point. As of today, the federal funds rate is 0.75-1% and is expected to another 2 percent by the end of the year.
From the FOMC statement: [Read more…]
A Hopeful Sign for Homebuyers
April 25, 2022 by Leave a Comment
This has been one of the most challenging markets for homebuyers that I have seen in my 20+ years as a mortgage professional in the greater Seattle area. The lack of inventory has created a frenzy allowing sellers to name their extraordinary price with bidding wars leaving many buyers exhausted and warn out from this highly competitive market. [Read more…]
Freddie Mac’s PMMS Report Illustrates Rising Mortgage Rates
April 7, 2022 by Leave a Comment
Every Thursday, Freddie Mac releases the Prime Mortgage Market Survey which shows average rates from last week (this data is not current for today since it’s an average of last week’s applications). The survey is based on purchase applications with at least 20% down payment with excellent credit. So if you’re doing a cash-out refi, have less than stellar credit or have a higher loan to value, your rates would most-likely be higher than what’s shown on the survey.
UPDATE: Rates shown below are not current. Please click here for a mortgage rate quote based on your personal financial scenario for your home located in Washington state. 
[Read more…]
Mortgage Rates Dramatically Increase
April 5, 2022 by Leave a Comment
Today mortgage rates jumped about 0.25-0.375 in interest rate or about a full point (1% of the loan amount) in fee. Mortgage rates have been trending higher since the beginning of this year. Today’s movement with mortgage rates is a pretty significant increase for one day.
The is largely due to Federal Reserve Governor Brainard stating today that they are going to start rapidly liquidating their balance sheets as well as being more aggressive with increasing the federal funds rate. Combine this with inflation and mortgage rates will continue to push higher. [Read more…]
Home Equity Loans and Second Mortgages
March 25, 2022 by 2 Comments
Home equity lines of credit (often referred to as HELOCs) and fixed rate second mortgages are available again at Mortgage Master Service Corporation.
You can use a home equity loan or fixed-rate second mortgage to access home equity without doing a cash-out refinance of your first mortgage. This may be really desirable considering the appreciation of homes and recent low mortgage rate environment. Click here for current mortgage rates for your Washington state home.
Here are some of the features: [Read more…]
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