Trigger Leads BANNED!

Last Friday, something I have been writing about for years finally happened. Trigger leads have been banned!

The bipartisan Homebuyers Privacy Protection Act (H.R. 2808) is now official. The law doesn’t go into effect until March of next year… so unless you protect yourself and opt-out of being harassed by strange loan officers or I mean, loan officers who are strangers, you will still feel very popular after having your credit pulled.

Honestly, even after this goes into effect, I still recommend protecting your credit by following these steps.

Of course, if you’re thinking about buying or refinancing your home, I am happy to help you!

A Win for Borrower Privacy: What the New Trigger Leads Bill Means for You

I’m excited to share some important and timely news that’s poised to make your homebuying experience smoother, less stressful, and more private. If you’re a long time reader of The Mortgage Porter, you know that I have a huge beef with trigger leads with the articles I’ve written. Let me break down the latest developments around the Homebuyers Privacy Protection Act (H.R. 2808)—also known as the “Trigger Leads” bill—and explain exactly what it means for you. [Read more…]

Why and How to Freeze Your Credit

how to freeze your creditIn today’s digital world, protecting your personal and financial information is more important than ever. One of the most effective ways to safeguard yourself against identity theft and fraudulent activity is by freezing your credit. Whether you’re applying for a mortgage, planning a big financial move, or simply want to enhance your financial security, understanding how and why to freeze your credit can be a crucial step.

Why Should You Freeze Your Credit?

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Buying a Starter Home in Washington State: What First-Time Buyers Need to Know

buying a starter homeBuying your first home is one of the most significant financial decisions you’ll make — and one of the most rewarding. A starter home is typically the first step on the path to building real equity, and in Washington State there are more options to get there than most first-time buyers realize.

When I bought my first home, I ended up in a small rambler in Northeast Tacoma — FHA loan, 3.5% down, and a brutal commute to downtown Seattle. But I was so proud to own something. We only lived there about two years before appreciation gave us enough equity to move up to our next home. That’s how starter homes work — and it’s why I believe so strongly in helping first-time buyers get into the market even when it feels out of reach.

Here’s what you need to know about loan programs, down payments, credit, and how to position yourself to compete in today’s market. [Read more…]

Holiday Hangover – Did You Overspend this Season?

Twas the season of spending with American’s splurging over $1100 on gifts this holiday season. Credit card interest rates average around 24% with some department store cards pushing 30%; making it very difficult for some to pay off the debt.

Lendingtree reports that 42% of those who charged holiday gifts regret adding to their debts.

If you’re feeling a bit of a financial hangover from the holidays, you can take some steps to help ease the headache of credit card debts. [Read more…]