Category Archives: Uncategorized

Prequalified vs. Preapproved – what’s the difference?


Prequalification vs. Preapproval: These terms are often used interchangeably — but there are big differences between the two. With a prequalification, the lender is performing a few checks on the prospective borrower’s finances to determine the home loan amount they may qualify for. A prequalification letter tells you how much the client will probably beContinue reading “Prequalified vs. Preapproved – what’s the difference?”

Jumbo Mortgage Loans – Don’t Let the Downpayment Fool You!


This is a guest blog entry by Jeff McGinnis: Jumbo mortgage loans are back, but don’t let the down payment requirement fool you. They still have reserve requirements and other fun surprises that can create issues. Learn what they are and how to avoid them. As a professional mortgage banker since 1997 in the SeattleContinue reading “Jumbo Mortgage Loans – Don’t Let the Downpayment Fool You!”

HOLY SMOKING DISHWASHER BATMAN!!!!


This is a guest entry by Charles Buell – Licensed Home Inspector & Licensed Structural Pest Inspector Were any of your household appliances recalled? It seems like every day some household appliance is recalled. Usually it is for minor issues, but sometimes it is for serious fire hazards. If you are concerned about whether youContinue reading “HOLY SMOKING DISHWASHER BATMAN!!!!”

Should anyone Buy or Sell Real Estate in this Market? Seattle Real Estate Market Conditions and Trends.


Seattle Real Estate Market Conditions and Trends. Seattle is still experiencing a buyer’s market with prices trending downwards and very favorable interest rates. The majority of properties in the market are short sales and foreclosed homes. The news reports positive data one day and negative data the next day for the real estate market. ThisContinue reading “Should anyone Buy or Sell Real Estate in this Market? Seattle Real Estate Market Conditions and Trends.”

Get your home ready for the Winter Season


Outdoor Fall Maintenance Tips 1. Clear debris out of you window wells, gutters, down spouts, and storm drains. This will allow the water to properly drain, minimizing standing water and stalling the freeze and thaw expansion process that often occurs during colder months. 2. Make sure the weather stripping on your windows and doors fitContinue reading “Get your home ready for the Winter Season”

Mortgage Interest Rate Myths


The following blog entry is a guest contribution by Virginia Lawson of Cobalt Mortgage in Kirkland, WA. This may come as a shock to many borrowers, but it’s absolutely true. Mortgage interest rates are not set by the Federal Reserve and, contrary to popular belief, mortgage rates are not directly tied to the yields ofContinue reading “Mortgage Interest Rate Myths”

Three Most Common Ways to Hold Title (in Washington State)


There are many different ways of holding title such as joint tenancy, in a trust, sole, etc.  The three most common ways in Washington are Joint Tenancy with right of survivorship, Tenancy in Common and Community Property: Joint Tenancy: The main distinguishing characteristic of joint tenancy is the right of survivorship. If one of theContinue reading “Three Most Common Ways to Hold Title (in Washington State)”

Federal Way Townhouse for Rent


27924 31 Pl S, Federal Way, WA | Powered by Postlets. Quality built 3bd/2.5bth Craftsman style townhome in great community near Starlake (Federal Way) for rent at $1495/mo. $30 application fee. $1500 deposit (can be financed). First month rent.  Available immediately. 9′ ceilings, hardwood floors, tile floors, maple cabinets & trim, and tile countertops. Spacious living room.Continue reading “Federal Way Townhouse for Rent”

Mortgage Credit Certificate


The Mortgage Credit Certificate Program allows qualifying first-time homeowners to claim a federal tax credit of up to 20 percent of their annual mortgage interest paid. Pretty neat! Following is the reprint of the information provided by the Washington State Housing Finance Commission: Federal Income Tax Credit for Homebuyers MCCs are not mortgages… they areContinue reading “Mortgage Credit Certificate”