The Seattle City Council recently passed a ban on evictions during winter months in Seattle. I’m all for protecting people when the weather is hazardous, however winter in Seattle is often quite mild. I’m actually very concerned about this legislation and how it may impact the rental market. I’m betting we will see more people decide to sell their Seattle investment property and move to other cities that are friendlier to landlords. Especially once you factor that Seattle laws prevent landlords from being able to screen potential tenants (it’s first come/first serve despite criminal history) and that landlords can only collect up to 1 month’s rent (plus 25% of one months rent if they accept pets) which can be paid over six months. Landlords are really in a risky position if the property is under Seattle’s regulations. [Read more…]
There Once was a Renter
I was just reviewing one of my client’s mortgages and thought I’d share a happy story with you. I’m REALLY proud of them. I first met Ryan and Rachel Renton (yes, I made up the names…but the rest of the story is true), at a home buyers class that I was teaching. Home buyers interested in the down payment assistance programs offered by the Washington State Housing Finance Commission are required to take a “live” class or an online class in order to qualify for the down payment assistance (dpa). [Read more…]
Buying a Home Using Your S.O.’s Income
Recently I helped a couple buy a home in King County. They’re engaged, had been living together for many years and were ready to purchase their first home. One of them, Billy Bellevue, had some credit issues and it made more sense for them to only have Susie Seattle’s on the transaction. [Read more…]
A First Time Home Buyer’s Story
I’m so excited for some clients I helped buy their first home a couple of years ago. I thought I’d share their story – at least the Readers Digest version! 🙂
This couple attended a home buyers class that I was teaching back in 2014. They purchased their first home in Seattle in 2014 using a down payment assistance program we offer through the Washington State Housing Finance Commission. [Read more…]
Freddie Mac HomeOne® Mortgage in Washington State
Freddie Mac HomeOne® Mortgage in Washington State
The HomeOne® mortgage is a low down payment conventional loan program designed specifically for first-time homebuyers who want to purchase a primary residence with as little as 3% down.
Backed by Freddie Mac, HomeOne offers a simpler path to homeownership for buyers who have solid credit but limited savings — without the income limits found in some other low down payment programs.
This mortgage option is especially attractive to buyers in Seattle, King County, Pierce County, Snohomish County, and throughout Washington State, where affordability and long-term costs matter. [Read more…]
