This has been one of the most challenging markets for homebuyers that I have seen in my 20+ years as a mortgage professional in the greater Seattle area. The lack of inventory has created a frenzy allowing sellers to name their extraordinary price with bidding wars leaving many buyers exhausted and warn out from this highly competitive market. [Read more…]
The biggest issue with buying a home today in Seattle
February 6, 2013 by Leave a Comment
UPDATED: This original post from 2013 was updated in March 2026.
Yesterday I met for coffee with one of my clients who is hoping to buy a home in a Seattle area neighborhood for around $600,000. They have already taken one of the most important steps in the home buying process by getting preapproved for a mortgage. [Read more…]
Why Sellers and Agents Shouldn’t Rule Out FHA Buyers – 2026 Update
April 25, 2010 by 4 Comments
Editor’s note: This post was originally published in April 2010 and has been substantially updated to reflect current FHA appraisal standards and today’s market.
Why sellers and agents shouldn’t rule out FHA buyers
It still happens: a buyer submits a strong offer, the listing agent sees “FHA” on the financing line, and the offer gets set aside in favor of conventional buyers — sometimes even when the FHA offer is stronger on price or terms. If you’re selling a home in Washington State, or you’re a real estate agent advising a seller, ruling out FHA buyers on reputation alone can mean leaving a qualified, motivated buyers on the table.
Most of the hesitation traces back to outdated assumptions about FHA appraisals, repair requirements, and closing timelines. Here’s what’s actually true today. [Read more…]
