What Is a Jumbo Mortgage

jumbo non-conforming mortgage washingtonEverything Seattle Metro & Puget Sound Buyers Need to Know

If you’re shopping for a home in Seattle, Bellevue, Mercer Island, Kirkland, Everett, Edmonds, Tacoma, Gig Harbor, or anywhere across King, Snohomish, or Pierce County, there’s a good chance you’ll hear the word “jumbo” come up in your mortgage conversation. But what exactly is a jumbo mortgage — and does having one mean you’ll face sky-high rates or impossible qualification standards? Not necessarily, and especially not here. [Read more…]

Where Are Homebuyers Moving in Washington State?

Buying a Home in Washington StateIf you’re planning to buy a home in Washington State, you’re not alone — and you’re probably using a mortgage between $300,000 and $1,000,000.

That loan range now represents the largest share of homebuyers across Washington, from first-time buyers to relocations and move-up homeowners. But where people are buying has shifted significantly in the past few years.

Below are the top Washington cities attracting homebuyers and what mortgage financing typically looks like in each market. [Read more…]

The 10/1 ARM (Adjustable Rate Mortgage)

A 10/1 ARM is an adjustable rate mortgage where the interest rate is fixed for the first 10 years and then may adjust at the 121st payment (after the 10 year “fixed period” is over).

After the first adjustment on the 121st month, the rate will adjust annually on the anniversary of the first adjustment date.

[Read more…]

Refinancing Your Seattle Area “High Balance” Mortgage Over $506,000

UPDATE: Please visit our complete mortgage guides for updated loan limits for homes located in Washington state.

If you obtained a high balance mortgage over the current limit ($506,000 in King, Pierce and Snohomish Counties) and missed the opportunity to refinance before the loan amounts were reduced, you may still have some options worth checking out. Especially with Fannie Mae hinting that loan limits may be reduced further in just a few months, effective January 1, 2012. FHA loan limits may be further reduced in 2012 as well. We typically learn what 2012 limits will be in November.  The gap between yesterday’s higher loan limits and conforming/FHA loan limits may actually widen in a few months making most of these scenarios tougher to obtain in 2012. [Read more…]