Mortgage Rates trending Lower

Freddie Mac released their weekly mortgage survey known as the PMMS (Prime Mortgage Market Survey) today revealing that mortgage rates moved lower last week.


According to the survey, last week (key words: “last week”), the 30 year fixed conventional mortgage averaged 4.14% with 0.5 points. Remember, mortgage rates change constantly and the only way to have last week’s mortgage rate is to have locked in your rate last week.

I am happy to provide you with a current mortgage rate quote for a refi or purchase on your home located anywhere in Washington state, where I’m licensed.

My 50th Birthday!

This past weekend, I celebrated my 50th birthday with family and friends. I have two (not much) younger sisters who love to ask “don’t you feel older” and my answer is typically “not really”. I’m actually pretty excited to be the big 5-0…beyond being able to join AARP! [Read more…]

Feds raise Funds Rate

This morning the Fed raised the Federal Funds Rate this morning by 0.25% to 1.00%. Although the Fed does not directly control mortgage rates, this move will most likely cause mortgage rates to continue to trend higher. The Fed Funds rate does directly impact home equity lines of credit interest rates that are attached to the prime rate. [Read more…]

Freddie Mac reports interest rates at their highest of 2017

Today Freddie Mac released their Prime Mortgage Market Survey which basically shows an average of conforming rates for the previous week. The report shows mortgage rates at their highest for 2017 with the 30 year fixed rate at 4.21% priced with a half point. 

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How are property taxes determined?

Recently, after receiving a rate quote, a home buyer asked me, “What would the difference in taxes be if I bought in Pierce County verses King County?” [Read more…]

Mortgage interest rates stabilizing

Freddie Mac’s PMMS was released this morning showing that mortgage appear to be calming down…for now.

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Cash Out Refinance

cash out refinance washington state mortgageporterHomes in the greater Seattle – King County area have been experiencing higher home values. The demand for homes with the strong employment market in Seattle and lack of inventory has been pushing home prices higher and higher. What is not great news for home buyers wanting to live in the greater Seattle area, this does create an opportunity for homeowners. Homeowners can either sell their home to take advantage of the appreciate that we currently have, or they can consider a cash out refinance. The reasons for a cash out refinance can vary from wanting to consolidate debts, funding retirement, cashing out an ex-spouse or improving your home…just to name a few.  [Read more…]

HUD’s reducing Mortgage Insurance on FHA Mortgages

FHA Mortgages Washington StateVisit here for an updated guide to FHA mortgages for homes in Washington state.

HUD has announced today that mortgage insurance will be reduced on most FHA mortgages. FHA mortgages have two types of “mortgage insurance” the borrowers pay regardless of loan to value. There is the upfront mortgage insurance (currently 1.75% of the loan amount) that is typically added to the base loan amount and financed over the life of the loan and there is the annual mortgage insurance that is actually paid as part of the monthly mortgage payment. This reduction of 25 basis points is on the annual mortgage insurance premium.

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