NHF limits Grant Amounts based on Credit Scores

2013-03-07_0746The National Home Buyers Fund (NHF) recently made changes as to how much grant funds a home buyer may be eligible for.  The grant funds are available to help qualified home buyers with funds for closing cost and down payment. Unlike other forms of down payment assistance, grant funds are not repaid by the home buyer – it’s kind of like a gift from a rich uncle or aunt that you didn’t know you had. 🙂  You can learn more about the NHF Grant program by clicking here.

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What May Impact Mortgage Rates this week: November 23, 2015

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERAThis is a very short week stuffed with economic indicators that may impact the direction of mortgage interest rates.

The markets will be closed on Thursday for Thanksgiving and will close early on Friday.

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DIY Penny Floor: Week Three

My husband and I are starting week three of installing a penny floor in our West Seattle home. Boy oh boy…I wish the room was a bit smaller!!! However, I’m pleased to say that I think we are almost 50% down with the penny installation.

penny floor nov 21

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What May Impact Mortgage Rates this week: November 16, 2015

mortgageporter-economyI am so saddened by the events that have taken place in Paris and Beriut last week. Our hearts, prayers and thoughts are with the innocent people who were injured or lost their lives and to their families.

World events such as this may influence the direction of mortgage rates as traders may seek out the safety found in bonds, like mortgage backed securities. Tragic events may cause mortgage rates to lower.

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DIY Penny Floor: Week Two

We are on the second week of our penny project. I am now referring to that ginormous 10 x 13 foot room as the pennytentiary. I must admit, I love seeing how it’s evolving and I will be happy beyond words when this project is DONE! 🙂

Since my last post about the penny floor, we finished gluing the compass.

2015-11-08 15.19.03

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HUD temporarily eases approval process for Condos

iStock_000061440694_MediumHUD is easing the requirements for condo approvals for a limited time. This is a great opportunity for home owner associations to submit their condo for HUD approval so that units in the condominium may be eligible for FHA financing.

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Steps in the Mortgage Process when you are Refinancing a Home

iStock_000003709509SmallThe process of getting a mortgage consists of several stages and typically takes anywhere from 30 – 45 days (or more) depending on how prepared you are, what mortgage program you have selected and if it’s a purchase, the closing date may dictate how long the process will take. With this post, I’m focusing on the steps involved with obtaining a refinance (aka refi) which are slightly different than the process when you are buying a home.

The steps below may not take place in the exact order I have listed and some steps may happen simultaneously. In addition, some lenders may have different procedures with how they process a mortgage.

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What May Impact Mortgage Rates this Week: November 9, 2015

mortgageporter-economyMortgage rates continue to drift higher as odds increase that the Fed will raise the Funds Rate in December following the stronger than expected Jobs Report on Friday. As of 9:04 this morning, the Dow is down 239 at 17,671.

It’s a shorter work week with Veterans Day on Wednesday, November 11, 2015. A huge heartfelt thank you to our Veterans who serve our country and to their families.

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