Helping Washington State homeowners learn more about their mortgage options.
Mortgage rates have been moving fast and unpredictably. One day they’re up, the next day they dip just enough to make refinancing worthwhile—but only if you’re ready to act. For many homeowners, the challenge isn’t wanting to refinance, it’s knowing exactly when to move.
That’s why I created my Rate Watch program.
Homes 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…]
Editors Note: This article on Delayed Financing has been updated for 2026.Many homebuyers choose to pay cash to win a competitive offer or simplify the purchase process. But after closing, a common question comes up:
“Now that I own the home outright, how can I access some of that equity?”
That’s where delayed financing comes in.
Delayed financing allows buyers who purchased a home with cash to take out a mortgage shortly after closing — without waiting the typical 12-month seasoning period required for a cash-out refinance.
This strategy can be especially useful for buyers who want liquidity, flexibility, or the ability to reinvest funds after a cash purchase. [Read more…]
The greater Seattle – Bellevue competitive housing markets have been experiencing a higher amount of buyers paying “all cash” for homes. Refinancing after you’ve paid cash for a home is also referred to as “delayed financing”. Delayed financing may also take place when a person is buying a foreclosed home at auction at the court house. Historically, “all-cash” buyers who want to refinance after closing to re-coup the cash they used to purchase their homes had to wait six months after the purchase before they can do a “cash-out” refi. Now, home buyers who used “all-cash” to buy their home no longer have to wait months to refinance to get their cash back.
Many home owners have two mortgages on their properties. A first mortgage and a second mortgage that may either be fixed or a home equity line of credit. Do you know what your effective rate is? Basically, this is if you factor in what your paying on both mortgages, and then figured out what your interest rate is on your payment.
Here’s how to determine what your “blended rate” is:
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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