Helping Washington State homeowners learn more about their mortgage options.
Freddie Mac’s Prime Mortgage Market Survey illustrates how mortgage interest rates have continued to push higher. The graph below is based on an average from last week so the rates are “expired”. This graph is to just give you an idea of how mortgage rates are trending. NOTE: Please click here for current mortgage rates for your personal scenario.
Fannie Mae recently released updated projections for interest rates next year. An average of 4.500% for a 30 year fixed would be an improvement from what home buyers and homeowners have experienced since the jump in interest rates that that happened the second quarter of this year. We have to remember that this is just a prediction and many factors influence the direction of mortgage interest rates. [Read more…]
Today, in a move that probably surprised nobody, the FOMC increased the Funds Rate by 0.75 percentage points to 2.500%.
In addition, the Fed reiterated their commitment to reduce their holdings in Treasury/mortgage-backed securities and agency debt.
Mortgage rates reacted favorably as this increase was highly anticipated by the markets.
What will not be reacting so favorably are credit cards, home equity loans and other debts where interest rates are attached to Prime as the Prime Rate follows the Fed Funds rate.
PLEASE pull out your credit card statements, and any other debts to do a “checkup” on what your interest rates are. I’m happy to review your credit cards with you to see if refinancing or a second mortgage makes sense for your financial scenario.
I decided to take my own advice that I’ve been dishing out about credit cards and debts. Today I reviewed my credit card accounts to see what my current interest rates are. I’m pretty lucky to have great credit and that I’m able to pay off my debts monthly. [Read more…]
Yesterday I read an interesting article in the Seattle Times about how (and why) to pay off your credit card debt as soon as possible. The article warns of a slowing economy and future rate hikes by the Fed, which will translate to higher interest rates on credit card debt. In addition to the higher rates, the slower economy may cause some people to have reduced income which will be more challenging with the high interest rate debt.
The article encourages readers to have an emergency savings fund and to focus on paying off credit card debt. [Read more…]
If you have been wanting to spruce up your kitchen, bathroom or any part of your home and you don’t want to touch your low interest rate on your existing mortgage, a second mortgage could be an option worth considering. [Read more…]
I can’t take credit for the catchy phrase “Marry the house. Date the rate”. It’s being posted by mortgage professionals and real estate agents all over social media. What does this phrase mean? [Read more…]
Yesterday I had the opportunity to participate at Arts in the Park at the Pioneer Park Pavilion in Puyallup. This was my first time demonstrating and being on the other side of the booth at an art fair. I really had a great time.
Rhonda Porter is a Licensed Mortgage Originator MLO121324 living in the greater Seattle area. Rhonda began her career in 1986 in the title and escrow industry and began her mortgage career in 2000. She enjoys helping people understand the mortgage process and started writing The Mortgage Porter in late 2006. Read More…
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