Helping Washington State homeowners learn more about their mortgage options.
Freddie Mac’s Prime Mortgage Market Survey (PMMS) released this morning states: “The average 30-year fixed-rate mortgage hit a record 3.29 percent this week, the lowest level in its nearly 50-year history“…”30-year fixed-rate mortgage averaged 3.29 percent with an average 0.7 point for the week ending March 5, 2020, down from last week when it averaged 3.45 percent. A year ago at this time, the 30-year FRM averaged 4.41 percent. ”
This morning the Fed lowered the Fed Funds rate by 0.50 to 1-1.25% due to the global financial impacts of the coronavirus. The markets were anticipating the Feds to make a move and reacted favorably…however we’re still seeing plenty of volatility.
What does this mean with regards to mortgage interest rates? They are still very very LOW making this a great time to look at refinancing. [Read more…]
Freddie Mac released their weekly Prime Mortgage Market Survey this morning showing that mortgage rates continue to be extremely low.
There are many factors that are causing mortgage rates to remain this low, including increased concern over the coronavirus. Hopefully the virus is contained soon…once that happens, we may see rates return to a more normal level. Also, with this being an election year, if a Democrat is elected to be our next President, we may see mortgage rates move higher.
Mortgage rates are subject to change…in fact, the mortgage rates posted from Freddie Mac’s PMMS report are an average from last week. Please click here for current mortgage rates based on your personal scenario.
Bottom line, rates are at three year lows making it a great time to refinance or if you’re in the market, buy a home. Most of my clients are dropping their monthly payments significantly which helps them pay off debts or build up savings. If your home is located anywhere in Washington state, where I’m licensed, I would love to help you with your mortgage!
The Seattle City Council recently passed a ban on evictions during winter months in Seattle. I’m all for protecting people when the weather is hazardous, however winter in Seattle is often quite mild. I’m actually very concerned about this legislation and how it may impact the rental market. I’m betting we will see more people decide to sell their Seattle investment property and move to other cities that are friendlier to landlords. Especially once you factor that Seattle laws prevent landlords from being able to screen potential tenants (it’s first come/first serve despite criminal history) and that landlords can only collect up to 1 month’s rent (plus 25% of one months rent if they accept pets) which can be paid over six months. Landlords are really in a risky position if the property is under Seattle’s regulations. [Read more…]
The King County Tax Assessor has issued a press release two days before 2020 property taxes will be released. From the press release:
“About 55 percent of property tax revenues collected in King County in 2019 pays for schools. Property taxes also fund voter-approved measures for veterans and seniors, fire protection, and parks. King County receives about 18 percent of your property tax payment for roads, police, criminal justice, public health, elections, and parks, among other services. [Read more…]
I was just reviewing one of my client’s mortgages and thought I’d share a happy story with you. I’m REALLY proud of them. I first met Ryan and Rachel Renton (yes, I made up the names…but the rest of the story is true), at a home buyers class that I was teaching. Home buyers interested in the down payment assistance programs offered by the Washington State Housing Finance Commission are required to take a “live” class or an online class in order to qualify for the down payment assistance (dpa). [Read more…]
Freddie Mac released their weekly mortgage rate survey showing that mortgage rates have continued to drop are at record lows. [Read more…]
King County will be mailing out property tax statements for 2020 on Valentines Day… aawwww, that’s so sweet! [Read more…]
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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