Appraisal Waivers Expanded for Conforming Purchases

appraisal waivers on conforming mortgagesThe FHFA announced expanded guidelines for appraisal waiver increasing the maximum loan to value (LTV) from 80% to 90% on purchase transactions. An appraisal waiver is not guaranteed on all conforming mortgages. Loans are submitted to the automated underwriting systems for Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac, which determine whether or not a transaction will receive an appraisal waiver.

Possible eligible transactions include: [Read more…]

Gimme your Best Interest Rate with NO Closing Cost

Your best interest rate with no closing costsThe other day, a Redmond homeowner contacted me for a quote to refinance their home. They specifically requested scenarios for “lowest possible interest rate without paying any points or closing costs“. [Read more…]

Recent Interview in the Seattle Times about Seattle Homebuyers

I’m honored to have been quoted in the Seattle Time‘s yesterday in Katherine Khashimova Long’s article “Autumn of heartbreak for home shoppers as Seattle-area prices hit new record highs”. My quote wound up being a tid-bit in the article and I thought it would be interesting to share some of the points that we discussed during the interview. [Read more…]

Puget Sound’s Hot Real Estate Market is Good News for Refis

mortgage-porter-sold-homeIt’s no secret the the Puget Sound region has been experiencing a very hot real estate market… so hot in fact that it may be causing some home buyers to feel a little burned from competing with multiple offers as well as renters contending with rapidly rising rents. Recently KOMO 4 News shared that that Seattle currently has the nations hottest housing market. This is not only good news for those who are wanting to sell their homes, it’s also good news for home owners who may benefit from a refinance.

[Read more…]

Waiving your financing contingency?

The greater Seattle real estate market is hot. With the lack of inventory, some home buyers have found themselves in a position where they feel they need to waive their financing contingency or the appraisal. I see this strategy happen when home buyers have been competing with multiple and/or cash offers.

[Read more…]