Good morning! It’s just before 7:00 am PST as I’m writing this post. In a couple of hours, we’ll hear the announcement from the FOMC wrapping up their two day meeting on measures they will take to get inflation in line, which includes adjustments to the Fed Funds rate. The Fed Funds rate does not directly impact mortgage interest rates (except for HELOCs attached to the Prime rate), however the action the Fed takes does influence the direction of mortgage interest rates. Mortgage interest rates are based on bonds (mortgage-backed securities or MBS) and react similarly to stocks. Inflation is the “arch enemy” of bonds, which is a big part of why mortgage rates have been higher these past few years. Should the Fed indicate that inflation is taming and investors believe what the Fed is saying, we should see mortgage rates improve…and of course, the opposite is true. [Read more…]
It’s Fed Day! [Live Post] No Change to the Fed Funds Rate!
Holy cats! My credit card interest rates!
I decided to take my own advice that I’ve been dishing out about credit cards and debts. Today I reviewed my credit card accounts to see what my current interest rates are. I’m pretty lucky to have great credit and that I’m able to pay off my debts monthly. [Read more…]
Home Equity Loans and Home Equity Lines of Credit
If you have been wanting to spruce up your kitchen, bathroom or any part of your home and you don’t want to touch your low interest rate on your existing mortgage, a second mortgage could be an option worth considering. [Read more…]
Home Equity Loans and Second Mortgages
Home equity lines of credit (often referred to as HELOCs) and fixed rate second mortgages are available again at Mortgage Master Service Corporation.
You can use a home equity loan or fixed-rate second mortgage to access home equity without doing a cash-out refinance of your first mortgage. This may be really desirable considering the appreciation of homes and recent low mortgage rate environment. Click here for current mortgage rates for your Washington state home.
Here are some of the features: [Read more…]
My Seattle Kitchen Remodel: Selecting Countertops
A few weeks ago, I shared that we’re remodeling our kitchen. Boy-oh-boy what a chore it is…we started the process months ago and are just starting to see light at the end of the tunnel. As I’m going through this first hand, I thought I’d share tidbits of things we’re learning along the way. Today, I’ll share the story of our kitchen counters.
Let’s start by discussing what we had on our “old” kitchen (photo above). [Read more…]
Second Mortgages and Home Equity Lines of Credit
Mortgage Master Service Corporation has second mortgages (home equity lines of credit aka HELOC) available for homes located anywhere in Washington state. The second mortgage/HELOC is limited to owner occupied/primary residences and second homes. They are not currently available for investment property. [Read more…]
Refinancing when you have an existing Second Mortgage or HELOC
When you are refinancing your primary mortgage and you have an existing second mortgage or HELOC (home equity line of credit), the new lender will require to stay in “first lien position”. This boils down to who has first dibs on a property in the event of a foreclosure. Lien position is determined by the date the mortgage was recorded. When you refinance your first mortgage and you have an existing second mortgage, the new mortgage will have a recording date that is after the existing second mortgage. Technically, that would put the second mortgage or HELOC in “first lien” position, which would not be allowed with the new lender. Click here for a no-hassle mortgage rate quote for your Washington state home. [Read more…]
Piggyback Combo Mortgages are Back
I’m pleased to announce that we now have second mortgages and home equity loans available in combination with a first mortgage at Mortgage Master Service Corporation. I see this being very useful with keeping loan amounts under conforming limits (especially once they’re scheduled to be reduced on October 1, 2011). Here’s some quick points on this program:
- maximum allowed total loan to value is 85% with a mid-credit score of 720 or higher for owner occupied.
- maximum allowed total loan to value is 70% with a mid-credit score of 700 – 719 for owner occupied.
- maximum allowed loan to value of 80% with a mid-credit score of 720 or higher for a second home.
- available for purchases or refinances.
- maximum allowed debt-to-income ratio of 45%.
- available as a HELOC (home equity line of credit) or fixed rates.
Should you consider using a first and second mortgage combo for your home financing? That’s up to you! What’s important is knowing and understanding what options are available to you so you can make an informed decision. If you are buying or refinancing a home located anywhere in Washington state, I’m happy to help you with your mortgage needs.
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