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March 20, 2024
How Real Estate Property Surveys Work in Washington: A Buyer's Guide

When buying a home in the state of Washington, you have an opportunity to request a real estate survey to identify the legal boundaries. Your mortgage lender might require a survey as well, if you’re financing a home purchase. As a buyer, you’ll want to know what a real estate property survey is, what it does, and how it could protect you as a homeowner in Washington. This guide answers all of those questions and more.

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March 19, 2024
Using a VA Loan in San Diego to Buy a Home: A Borrower's Guide

VA loans are a popular mortgage financing option for home buyers in the San Diego metro area. In fact, San Diego County usually has a higher VA loan volume than any other county in the U.S. With its many Navy and Marine Corps bases and facilities, the San Diego area has a huge military population. That means there are many home buyers in the area who could benefit from using the VA loan program.

Read more
January 16, 2024
Debunked: 7 Common Myths About Washington VA Loans

Surveys have shown there are many myths, misconceptions and misunderstandings surrounding VA loans. Some people who are well-qualified for the VA loan program, and could benefit from it, might be reluctant to apply due to misinformation. As a Washington-based mortgage company that specializes in VA loans, we do our best to educate military members and veterans about their mortgage-related benefits. So today, we will “debunk” seven of the most common myths relating to VA loans in the state of Washington.

Read more
January 5, 2024
Myths and Misconceptions About Mortgage Down Payments in WA State

For a typical home buyer in the state of Washington, the down payment represents the biggest obstacle along the path to homeownership. So it’s essential for home buyers to understand the strategies and options available to them when making a down payment on a house. It’s equally important to tune out the common myths and misconceptions relating to down payments in Washington. And that’s exactly what we will focus on here today.

Read more
November 20, 2023
How the FHA Amendatory Clause Works in WA State

If you buy a home in the state of Washington using an FHA loan, you will most likely be required to sign an FHA amendatory clause. The seller will have to sign it as well. This clause is sometimes written directly into the purchase agreement or real estate contract. Other times, it might be attached as an addendum to the contract. But in either case, it serves the same purpose.

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November 3, 2023
How the VA Loan Underwriting Process Works in WA State

There are several critical stages along the path to VA loan approval and closing. Mortgage underwriting is one of these critical stages. In this guide, we will walk through the different steps in the VA loan underwriting process and explain what borrowers can do to help keep that process on track.

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October 31, 2023
Average Cost of a Home Appraisal in Washington and Other FAQs

People tend to have many questions about the home appraisal process in Washington, and we’ve addressed some of them in the past. In this article, we’ll review the average cost of an appraisal in Washington, factors influencing the cost, and scenarios where an appraisal might either be required or warranted.

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October 18, 2023
Appraisals, Comparable Sales, and Market Values: A Washington Buyer's Guide

​​If you’re going to use a mortgage loan to buy a home in the state of Washington, you’ll probably experience the home appraisal process firsthand. In this article, we will explain the interconnected relationship between home appraisals, comparable sales, and market values. More importantly, you’ll learn how these things can influence the amount of money you’re able to borrow when buying a home.

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October 6, 2023
An Overview of the VA Loan Closing Process in Washington

The state of Washington is home to many military members and veterans. This means many residents could benefit from using the VA loan program, which is reserved for this group. As a Washington-based mortgage company specializing in VA loans, we do our best to educate home buyers and mortgage shoppers about this unique loan program. Today, we’ll explore the closing process when using a VA loan to buy a house in Washington.

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October 5, 2023
The Minimum Property Requirements for VA Loans in Washington

When it comes to VA loans, the home appraisal is one of the most important steps along the path toward closing. The appraisal can determine whether the property is eligible for VA-backed mortgage financing. This article will explore the minimum property requirements for VA loans in Washington, where they come from, and how they can affect you when buying a house.

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September 1, 2023
Home Inspections vs. Appraisals: How It All Works in Washington

Home buyers in Washington sometimes confuse the home inspection with the home appraisal, believing that they are one and the same. In reality, they are two different procedures with very different objectives. Inspections focus on the condition of the property, while appraisals focus on the estimated market value. In this article, we will explore the key differences between home inspections and home appraisals in the state of Washington. You’ll learn what they are, who they are for, and whether or not they’re required when buying a house.

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September 6, 2023
Tips for Buying a Home in Washington During an Inventory Shortage

We’ve heard a lot about real estate market inventory shortages over the past few years, both here in Washington and also nationwide. Low levels of supply have challenged home buyers, especially in the more populous parts of the state like the Seattle metro. But when it comes to buying a home in the state of Washington, there’s a solution for almost every challenge. Today, we will offer some tips for buying a home in Washington during a persistent inventory shortage.

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June 30, 2023
Determining Your Down Payment Size When Buying a Home in Washington

We’ve written about the down payment requirements for different types of mortgage loans in the past, along with the average down payment size across Washington State. But those numbers might not apply to your particular situation. As a home buyer, you’ll want to determine the best down payment amount for yourself, based on your budget and long-term goals. So let’s talk about how you might actually do that.

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June 23, 2023
How to Cancel Private Mortgage Insurance (PMI) in Washington State

Home buyers in Washington who purchase a home with a down payment below 20% are often required to obtain private mortgage insurance (PMI). PMI serves as protection for lenders in case borrowers default on their mortgage payments. It’s an industrywide standard. In most cases, PMI premiums get added onto the monthly mortgage payment, along with property taxes and homeowners insurance. So it increases the size of the monthly payments.

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May 31, 2023
Mistakes to Avoid When Making an Offer on a House in Seattle

At times, the Seattle metro area can be one of the most competitive real estate markets in the country. Demand from home buyers frequently exceeds the available supply, forcing buyers to compete for limited inventory. This is why it’s so important to make a strong offer on a house when buying in the Seattle area. Making mistakes during the offer stage could result in the house slipping through your fingers or going to another buyer. That’s the last thing you want. So let’s talk about how to do things right.

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May 24, 2023
What's a Typical Earnest Money Deposit in Seattle These Days?

Home buyers in Seattle tend to have a lot of questions and concerns when it comes to the earnest money deposit. And as a Seattle-area mortgage company, we try to address as many of these questions as possible, right here on our blog. Today, we will answer one of the most common questions on this subject. What is the typical earnest money deposit amount in the Seattle area?

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May 19, 2023
Most Popular Type of Mortgage Loan for Washington Home Buyers

Home buyers in the state of Washington have a lot of options when it comes to mortgage financing. We have covered many of those options in previous blog posts. Today, we will focus on the most popular type of mortgage loan for Washington home buyers: the conventional 30-year fixed-rate mortgage.

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May 16, 2023
5 Mistakes to Avoid When Buying Investment Homes in Washington

Investing in real estate can be a lucrative way to build wealth and generate passive income. But like any major investment, it requires careful planning, research, and due diligence to avoid costly mistakes. In other words, you have to know what you’re doing. Sometimes, the best way to learn the right way to do something is by understanding the wrong way. And that’s what we will focus on today. In this article, we will cover some of the common mistakes to avoid when buying an investment home in the state of Washington.

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May 4, 2023
Closing Costs Mistakes to Avoid When Buying a Home in Washington

Don’t overspend on closing costs when buying a home in Washington! Learn common mistakes to avoid and save money. Contact us to start your home buying journey today!

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April 26, 2023
How Home Appraisals Affect Mortgage Approval in Washington

In this article, we will explore how home appraisals affect mortgage loan approval in WA State, and what a buyer can do to help keep the process on track.

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March 25, 2024
Why Is the Tacoma Housing Market So Much Cheaper Than Seattle?

People researching the Seattle-area real estate market are often surprised by the home price discrepancy between Tacoma and Seattle. Home prices within the city of Tacoma tend to be significantly lower than those in Seattle. But why? What factors make the Tacoma real estate market so much more affordable, when compared to the city of Seattle? After all, they’re both part of the same metropolitan statistical area (MSA) and only about 30 miles apart.

Read more
March 21, 2024
Guide to Buying a Home in the Boise, Idaho Metropolitan Area

Are you thinking about moving to the Boise metro area and buying a home? You’re not alone. While population growth has slowed since the pandemic boom, the Boise-area real estate market continues to lure home buyers from other parts of the country. This guide gives you a broad overview of the Boise-Nampa metropolitan area, with an emphasis on relocation and home buying. We will cover everything from geography to economy, and from real estate market trends to local attractions.

Read more
March 20, 2024
How Real Estate Property Surveys Work in Washington: A Buyer's Guide

When buying a home in the state of Washington, you have an opportunity to request a real estate survey to identify the legal boundaries. Your mortgage lender might require a survey as well, if you’re financing a home purchase. As a buyer, you’ll want to know what a real estate property survey is, what it does, and how it could protect you as a homeowner in Washington. This guide answers all of those questions and more.

Read more
March 19, 2024
Using a VA Loan in San Diego to Buy a Home: A Borrower's Guide

VA loans are a popular mortgage financing option for home buyers in the San Diego metro area. In fact, San Diego County usually has a higher VA loan volume than any other county in the U.S. With its many Navy and Marine Corps bases and facilities, the San Diego area has a huge military population. That means there are many home buyers in the area who could benefit from using the VA loan program.

Read more
March 14, 2024
Is Bellevue Cheaper or More Expensive Than Seattle For Home Buyers?

Seattle-area home buyers often want to know how different cities and communities compare with each other, in terms of home prices. Today we address one of those common questions: Is Bellevue cheaper than Seattle, from a real estate perspective?

Read more
March 13, 2024
An Overview of the Seattle Luxury Condo Market

Seattle, Washington has experienced a luxury condo boom in recent years, with a number of new projects coming onto the market. This trend is reshaping the downtown Seattle real estate market in a number of ways. This guide provides an overview of the luxury condo market in downtown Seattle and the surrounding area, as of 2024. It covers popular condominiums, current trends related to features and amenities, and other factors relevant to home buyers.

Read more
March 12, 2024
Denver's Real Estate Market in 2024: Better for Buyers

Recent reports have shown that the Denver, Colorado real estate market could be more friendly toward home buyers in 2024. Home prices have flattened out after several years of steady gains. Houses are taking longer to sell with fewer offers. And the Denver metro area was recently singled out as having the biggest increase in new real estate listings over the past year.

Read more
March 6, 2024
A Market Comparison for Seattle's Most Popular Neighborhoods

Before paying hundreds of thousands of dollars for a home in Seattle, you want to make sure the neighborhood is a good fit for your lifestyle. This is arguably just as important as the house itself. So let’s explore the most popular neighborhoods in Seattle, from a home buying perspective.

Read more
February 21, 2024
Tech Employee Relocation Guide For Buying a Home in Seattle, WA

We’ve published many Seattle real estate market reports over the years, and most were geared toward home buyers. Today, we’ll offer some helpful insights for tech employees who are planning to relocate to Seattle in 2024.

Read more
February 14, 2024
Mello-Roos Taxes: Pros & Cons for California Home Buyers

In this guide: An explanation of “Mello-Roos” taxes in California and how they can affect home buyers, including the pros and cons of buying in such a district.

Read more
February 7, 2024
Homeowners Who Could Benefit by Mortgage Refinancing in WA State

Will the rest of 2024 be a good time to refinance a home in the state of Washington? Can homeowners benefit from the drop in mortgage rates that occurred at the end of 2023? Those are two of the frequently asked questions we’ll be addressing in this mortgage market update for 2024.

Read more
January 29, 2024
The Washington FHA Loan: A Fact Sheet for Home Buyers

As a Seattle-area mortgage company, we do our best to educate local home buyers about their different mortgage options. To continue that tradition, we’ve created an FHA loan fact sheet for borrowers in the state of Washington.

Read more
January 23, 2024
Portland Housing Market: Buyer Friendly in 2024

Portland, Oregon, home buyers could enjoy a slower real estate market in 2024, with lower home prices and mortgage rates. For these and other reasons, the Portland housing market could be more buyer-friendly in 2024 compared to the past few years. Here’s an updated look at current real estate trends across the Portland-Vancouver metro area, emphasizing the above buyer-friendly conditions.

Read more
January 19, 2024
California Housing Market Inventory in 2024 Could Improve

Like many parts of the country, California’s housing market has suffered from chronically low inventory levels for quite some time. Supply levels dropped further during the first few months of 2023 due to higher mortgage rates that cooled the real estate market. But in the early days of 2024, California housing market inventory levels are starting to rise again. And once again, mortgage rates play a central role. Rate reductions over the past couple of months have brought more sellers into the market, increasing inventory levels.

Read more
January 18, 2024
5 Mortgage Trends Affecting WA Home Buyers in 2024

In 2024, home buyers in Washington could enjoy lower mortgage rates than last year (on average), along with higher loan limits for FHA and conventional loans. Those are just two of the Washington mortgage trends you should know about in 2024, if you’re planning to buy or refinance a home. So let’s take a closer look at these trends and what they might mean for borrowers in 2024.

Read more
January 16, 2024
Debunked: 7 Common Myths About Washington VA Loans

Surveys have shown there are many myths, misconceptions and misunderstandings surrounding VA loans. Some people who are well-qualified for the VA loan program, and could benefit from it, might be reluctant to apply due to misinformation. As a Washington-based mortgage company that specializes in VA loans, we do our best to educate military members and veterans about their mortgage-related benefits. So today, we will “debunk” seven of the most common myths relating to VA loans in the state of Washington.

Read more
January 12, 2024
Average VA Loan Amount in WA State and Other 2024 Statistics

What’s the average VA loan amount in the state of Washington? How many VA loans are processed and closed in Washington each year, and how does that compare to the rest of the nation? These are just a few of the questions we can answer by reviewing a recent VA loan usage report published by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, summarizing the previous 12 months.

Read more
January 5, 2024
Myths and Misconceptions About Mortgage Down Payments in WA State

For a typical home buyer in the state of Washington, the down payment represents the biggest obstacle along the path to homeownership. So it’s essential for home buyers to understand the strategies and options available to them when making a down payment on a house. It’s equally important to tune out the common myths and misconceptions relating to down payments in Washington. And that’s exactly what we will focus on here today.

Read more
January 4, 2024
Hottest California Housing Markets of 2024, According to Realtor.com

A recent housing market forecast published by Realtor.com suggested that California could have several of the hottest real estate markets in 2024. Southern California, in particular, is expected to see significant growth in 2024 in terms of home prices and sales. Here’s a look at the hottest California real estate markets of 2024 based on industry analysts’ latest data and projections

Read more
January 3, 2024
Why 2024 Could Be a Good Time to Buy a Home in Oregon: 3 Reasons

Will 2024 be a good time to buy a home in the state of Oregon? As a mortgage company that serves the entire Pacific Northwest, we do our best to educate home buyers on current real estate market conditions across the region. Today, we set our sights on Oregon.

Read more
March 25, 2024
Why Is the Tacoma Housing Market So Much Cheaper Than Seattle?

People researching the Seattle-area real estate market are often surprised by the home price discrepancy between Tacoma and Seattle. Home prices within the city of Tacoma tend to be significantly lower than those in Seattle. But why? What factors make the Tacoma real estate market so much more affordable, when compared to the city of Seattle? After all, they’re both part of the same metropolitan statistical area (MSA) and only about 30 miles apart.

Read more
March 21, 2024
Guide to Buying a Home in the Boise, Idaho Metropolitan Area

Are you thinking about moving to the Boise metro area and buying a home? You’re not alone. While population growth has slowed since the pandemic boom, the Boise-area real estate market continues to lure home buyers from other parts of the country. This guide gives you a broad overview of the Boise-Nampa metropolitan area, with an emphasis on relocation and home buying. We will cover everything from geography to economy, and from real estate market trends to local attractions.

Read more
March 20, 2024
How Real Estate Property Surveys Work in Washington: A Buyer's Guide

When buying a home in the state of Washington, you have an opportunity to request a real estate survey to identify the legal boundaries. Your mortgage lender might require a survey as well, if you’re financing a home purchase. As a buyer, you’ll want to know what a real estate property survey is, what it does, and how it could protect you as a homeowner in Washington. This guide answers all of those questions and more.

Read more
March 19, 2024
Using a VA Loan in San Diego to Buy a Home: A Borrower's Guide

VA loans are a popular mortgage financing option for home buyers in the San Diego metro area. In fact, San Diego County usually has a higher VA loan volume than any other county in the U.S. With its many Navy and Marine Corps bases and facilities, the San Diego area has a huge military population. That means there are many home buyers in the area who could benefit from using the VA loan program.

Read more
March 14, 2024
Is Bellevue Cheaper or More Expensive Than Seattle For Home Buyers?

Seattle-area home buyers often want to know how different cities and communities compare with each other, in terms of home prices. Today we address one of those common questions: Is Bellevue cheaper than Seattle, from a real estate perspective?

Read more
March 13, 2024
An Overview of the Seattle Luxury Condo Market

Seattle, Washington has experienced a luxury condo boom in recent years, with a number of new projects coming onto the market. This trend is reshaping the downtown Seattle real estate market in a number of ways. This guide provides an overview of the luxury condo market in downtown Seattle and the surrounding area, as of 2024. It covers popular condominiums, current trends related to features and amenities, and other factors relevant to home buyers.

Read more
March 12, 2024
Denver's Real Estate Market in 2024: Better for Buyers

Recent reports have shown that the Denver, Colorado real estate market could be more friendly toward home buyers in 2024. Home prices have flattened out after several years of steady gains. Houses are taking longer to sell with fewer offers. And the Denver metro area was recently singled out as having the biggest increase in new real estate listings over the past year.

Read more
March 6, 2024
A Market Comparison for Seattle's Most Popular Neighborhoods

Before paying hundreds of thousands of dollars for a home in Seattle, you want to make sure the neighborhood is a good fit for your lifestyle. This is arguably just as important as the house itself. So let’s explore the most popular neighborhoods in Seattle, from a home buying perspective.

Read more
February 21, 2024
Tech Employee Relocation Guide For Buying a Home in Seattle, WA

We’ve published many Seattle real estate market reports over the years, and most were geared toward home buyers. Today, we’ll offer some helpful insights for tech employees who are planning to relocate to Seattle in 2024.

Read more
February 14, 2024
Mello-Roos Taxes: Pros & Cons for California Home Buyers

In this guide: An explanation of “Mello-Roos” taxes in California and how they can affect home buyers, including the pros and cons of buying in such a district.

Read more
February 7, 2024
Homeowners Who Could Benefit by Mortgage Refinancing in WA State

Will the rest of 2024 be a good time to refinance a home in the state of Washington? Can homeowners benefit from the drop in mortgage rates that occurred at the end of 2023? Those are two of the frequently asked questions we’ll be addressing in this mortgage market update for 2024.

Read more
January 29, 2024
The Washington FHA Loan: A Fact Sheet for Home Buyers

As a Seattle-area mortgage company, we do our best to educate local home buyers about their different mortgage options. To continue that tradition, we’ve created an FHA loan fact sheet for borrowers in the state of Washington.

Read more
January 23, 2024
Portland Housing Market: Buyer Friendly in 2024

Portland, Oregon, home buyers could enjoy a slower real estate market in 2024, with lower home prices and mortgage rates. For these and other reasons, the Portland housing market could be more buyer-friendly in 2024 compared to the past few years. Here’s an updated look at current real estate trends across the Portland-Vancouver metro area, emphasizing the above buyer-friendly conditions.

Read more
January 19, 2024
California Housing Market Inventory in 2024 Could Improve

Like many parts of the country, California’s housing market has suffered from chronically low inventory levels for quite some time. Supply levels dropped further during the first few months of 2023 due to higher mortgage rates that cooled the real estate market. But in the early days of 2024, California housing market inventory levels are starting to rise again. And once again, mortgage rates play a central role. Rate reductions over the past couple of months have brought more sellers into the market, increasing inventory levels.

Read more
January 18, 2024
5 Mortgage Trends Affecting WA Home Buyers in 2024

In 2024, home buyers in Washington could enjoy lower mortgage rates than last year (on average), along with higher loan limits for FHA and conventional loans. Those are just two of the Washington mortgage trends you should know about in 2024, if you’re planning to buy or refinance a home. So let’s take a closer look at these trends and what they might mean for borrowers in 2024.

Read more
January 16, 2024
Debunked: 7 Common Myths About Washington VA Loans

Surveys have shown there are many myths, misconceptions and misunderstandings surrounding VA loans. Some people who are well-qualified for the VA loan program, and could benefit from it, might be reluctant to apply due to misinformation. As a Washington-based mortgage company that specializes in VA loans, we do our best to educate military members and veterans about their mortgage-related benefits. So today, we will “debunk” seven of the most common myths relating to VA loans in the state of Washington.

Read more
January 12, 2024
Average VA Loan Amount in WA State and Other 2024 Statistics

What’s the average VA loan amount in the state of Washington? How many VA loans are processed and closed in Washington each year, and how does that compare to the rest of the nation? These are just a few of the questions we can answer by reviewing a recent VA loan usage report published by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, summarizing the previous 12 months.

Read more
January 5, 2024
Myths and Misconceptions About Mortgage Down Payments in WA State

For a typical home buyer in the state of Washington, the down payment represents the biggest obstacle along the path to homeownership. So it’s essential for home buyers to understand the strategies and options available to them when making a down payment on a house. It’s equally important to tune out the common myths and misconceptions relating to down payments in Washington. And that’s exactly what we will focus on here today.

Read more
January 4, 2024
Hottest California Housing Markets of 2024, According to Realtor.com

A recent housing market forecast published by Realtor.com suggested that California could have several of the hottest real estate markets in 2024. Southern California, in particular, is expected to see significant growth in 2024 in terms of home prices and sales. Here’s a look at the hottest California real estate markets of 2024 based on industry analysts’ latest data and projections

Read more
January 3, 2024
Why 2024 Could Be a Good Time to Buy a Home in Oregon: 3 Reasons

Will 2024 be a good time to buy a home in the state of Oregon? As a mortgage company that serves the entire Pacific Northwest, we do our best to educate home buyers on current real estate market conditions across the region. Today, we set our sights on Oregon.

Read more
March 24, 2022
Why You Should Start Investing In Real Estate Now in WA State

It is important for everyone to diversify their investments and one of the assets that people often look toward is real estate. In a healthy market, real estate should appreciate in value.

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September 24, 2021
How to Design a Modern, Luxurious Home Inside of an Older Piece

Whether buying or renovating an older property, many people are interested in learning how to instill modern luxury in older property. The good news is that this is easier than it sounds, and it can be accomplished by following a few simple tips.

Read more
March 19, 2024
Using a VA Loan in San Diego to Buy a Home: A Borrower's Guide

VA loans are a popular mortgage financing option for home buyers in the San Diego metro area. In fact, San Diego County usually has a higher VA loan volume than any other county in the U.S. With its many Navy and Marine Corps bases and facilities, the San Diego area has a huge military population. That means there are many home buyers in the area who could benefit from using the VA loan program.

Read more
March 13, 2024
An Overview of the Seattle Luxury Condo Market

Seattle, Washington has experienced a luxury condo boom in recent years, with a number of new projects coming onto the market. This trend is reshaping the downtown Seattle real estate market in a number of ways. This guide provides an overview of the luxury condo market in downtown Seattle and the surrounding area, as of 2024. It covers popular condominiums, current trends related to features and amenities, and other factors relevant to home buyers.

Read more
December 11, 2023
How to Apply for a VA Home Loan in WA State

The state of Washington currently ranks #7 in the nation when it comes to the total number of military personnel living in the state. Because of this, plenty of folks could benefit from using a VA loan to buy a house. But there are specific steps you’ll need to take to get the ball rolling. In this article, you’ll learn how to apply for a VA home loan in the state of Washington.

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November 30, 2023
Lower Mortgage Rates Could Increase Washington Home Sales in 2024

In 2023, higher mortgage rates cooled the real estate market in Washington and elsewhere across the country. But home loan rates have been trending downward lately, and some economists expect this to continue into 2024. According to one recent forecast, lower rates could accelerate the housing market and increase home sales across Washington in 2024. Lower borrowing costs could increase buyers’ demand and bring more homes on the market.

Read more
November 14, 2023
Housing Market Outlook For Spokane, WA in 2024

The Spokane, WA housing market in 2024 anticipates modest growth, with a steady rise in home prices and a notable increase in inventory levels. Despite the challenges of higher mortgage rates, buyers and sellers are adapting, suggesting a more balanced market. This environment promises better opportunities for homebuyers while maintaining healthy activity for sellers.

Read more
September 20, 2023
Buying a Home in the State of Idaho: 11 Key Benefits

The population of Idaho has increased significantly over the past few years, and with good reason. The state offers several benefits for those relocating from other parts of the country. It’s arguably one of the best places to buy a home, and here are some reasons why.

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January 26, 2024
Boise, Idaho Housing Forecast for 2024: Heating Up Again?

As we move into 2024, recent forecasts suggest that the Boise area real estate market could become more competitive for buyers.

Read more
May 19, 2023
Most Popular Type of Mortgage Loan for Washington Home Buyers

Home buyers in the state of Washington have a lot of options when it comes to mortgage financing. We have covered many of those options in previous blog posts. Today, we will focus on the most popular type of mortgage loan for Washington home buyers: the conventional 30-year fixed-rate mortgage.

Read more
March 22, 2023
Is April the Best Time to Sell a Home in the Seattle Area?

Attention Seattle-area homeowners: the best time to sell a home is right around the corner. According to a recent report from Realtor.com, the best time to list a house for sale is during the week of April 16 – 22. Spring is generally considered to be a good time for selling a home, but in 2023 it could be even better. Keep reading to find out why!

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January 5, 2023
Top 20 Tips to Negotiate the Best Deal When Buying a Home

Here is a list of the things an ideal buyer would come to the table with. This list doesn’t mean you must meet all the below requirements, but for a seller, these are the attributes of a perfect buyer and the more boxes you can check the better.

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July 20, 2022
8 Easy Renovation Projects Every Homeowner Can Do Now

Ready to DIY some home renovations? All you need are basic tools you may own, can buy inexpensively, or rent, a little willingness to learn, and a lot of elbow grease.

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January 30, 2024
Buying a First Home Could Be Very Challenging: Here’s Why

Buying your first home can be a daunting task, especially when it comes to getting your finances in order. What are some obstacles you could face and how can you overcome them?

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February 1, 2024
Bellingham Real Estate Market in 2024

The Bellingham, WA, real estate market in 2024 is likely to slowly relax from a tight inventory and sellers market to a more favorable option for would-be homebuyers. Is now a good time to start planning to buy a home in Whatcom County?

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November 9, 2022
Mistakes to Avoid as a First-Time Buyer

Buying your first home can be a roller coaster of emotions and excitement. Mistakes are easy to make, so here’s a guide to avoiding the most common pitfalls for FTHBs.

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April 13, 2022
Current Real Estate Trends in Seattle, WA?

Prospective homebuyers need to be prepared when entering Seattle’s real estate market. Having the right lender and a loan as far along the approval process as possible can be critical to beating out competition with cash offers on the table in most scenarios.

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April 6, 2022
How Can I Sell My House Fast? Don't Overlook The Obvious

There are a lot of areas often overlooked in a seller’s market because homeowners assume their house will sell no matter what. With housing inventory at a record setting low, your house will probably sell anyway — but isn’t it worth taking a little extra trouble so you can sell it for even more?

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May 9, 2022
5 Tips for Making Your Best Offer

What can you do to make your offer stand out? Here are a few tips to making your best offer and increasing your odds of coming out a winner.

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April 6, 2022
The Best Use of Time (and Money) When It Comes to Renovations

There are plenty of questions to ask yourself when it comes time to renovate your home. Should you do it yourself or hire an expert? How much should you spend? And what exact projects should you consider?

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April 4, 2022
Common Home Buying Hurdles

If you’re looking to buy a home in 2022, you should be aware of some of the challenges that might come your way. Here are a few hurdles to look for, along with solutions to these potential issues.

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April 4, 2022
Earnest Money in Oregon: 5 Things Buyers Should Know

Ready to think about buying a home in Oregon? Wondering how much earnest money you need to come up with? It all depends on how sure you are that the home is right for you, and how big of a statement you want to make to the seller that you’re a serious homebuyer.

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May 4, 2023
Closing Costs Mistakes to Avoid When Buying a Home in Washington

Don’t overspend on closing costs when buying a home in Washington! Learn common mistakes to avoid and save money. Contact us to start your home buying journey today!

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March 31, 2022
Top Reasons to Own Your Own Home

If you’ve never owned your own home, you may want to take some time to consider why becoming a homeowner is a financially sound investment to make. Of course, buying a home is not a small feat.

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May 3, 2022
How Seller Concessions Work on a VA Loan in Washington 

Sometimes sellers can make a home purchase more affordable for buyers taking out a VA loan by offering concessions. This article will explain how seller concessions work on VA loans. Washington State has a fairly large military population.

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October 9, 2023
Denver Housing Market Trends Affecting Buyers and Sellers

Hopeful homebuyers need to be prepared for challenging Denver housing market trends. Partnering with the right mortgage lender and making a strong offer can tip the balance in your favor.

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February 1, 2024
Pierce County Real Estate Market: Prices | Trends | Forecast 2024

What are the top Pierce County, WA, real estate trends this year? Perhaps more importantly, what is the Pierce County, housing market forecast for 2024? Let’s answer these questions to help you determine whether next year is a good time to buy.

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April 13, 2022
Current Real Estate Trends in Seattle, WA?

Prospective homebuyers need to be prepared when entering Seattle’s real estate market. Having the right lender and a loan as far along the approval process as possible can be critical to beating out competition with cash offers on the table in most scenarios.

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January 31, 2024
Boise Real Estate Market: Prices - Trends - Forecast 2024

What are the top Boise real estate trends this year? Perhaps more importantly, what is the Boise housing market forecast for 2024? Let’s answer these questions to help you determine whether next year is a good time to buy.

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June 24, 2022
Why a 2022 Housing Market Crash Is Unlikely

How will the rate of increase in home prices in 2022 compare to the past few months? Is there a “housing bubble” that could burst at any moment? More importantly, is 2022 a good time to buy a house?

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October 12, 2021
Main Reasons Why a 2021/2022 Housing Market Crash Is Unlikely

There are several reasons why a 2021 housing market crash is highly unlikely.

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April 6, 2022
7 More Reasons Why Home Inventory Is Low

There are several reasons why home inventory is low, some of which include historically low mortgage rates, eager investors, and slowed new construction.

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April 5, 2022
Could Ballard in Seattle, WA State, Be Your New Home?

Wondering if the neighborhood of Ballard in NW Seattle, WA could be the best place to live and raise a family? Find out what locals love about Ballard.

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April 13, 2022
Unexpected Costs of Buying & Owning a Home in OR

The unexpected costs of buying/owning a home in Oregon are a fact of life. Whether you own your home or are looking to purchase, read about the surprises you can expect to face as a homeowner. From lightbulbs to roofing repairs let us help you prepare with first-hand knowledge from the housing experts.

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February 7, 2022
Top Trends that Home Buyers Are Looking for Right Now

What exactly are buyers looking for right now? Let’s take a look at some of the trends that home buyers want in 2022.

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April 26, 2022
Why Eligible Homeowners Shouldn’t Put Off Refinancing Their Mortgage

When considering the refinance of a current mortgage, many homeowners choose to wait, anticipating that interest rates will decline further. But rates are higher now than they were last year, and numerous influences can cause them to continue to rise.

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February 7, 2024
Borrowers with Bad Credit Now Have Greater Loan Options in WA State

Immediately after the housing crisis, buyers with poor credit struggled to find home mortgage loans. Now, the market has changed the buyers with poor credit have more options when it comes to mortgage financing. This article discusses some options for those who have bad credit but are in need of a mortgage to buy a home in Washington.

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March 23, 2022
Seniors Should Consider These Essential Factors Before Downsizing

If you’re a senior, you may have considered downsizing, but only do so after making some careful considerations. This article will discuss how to plan and how to choose the belongings to take with you.

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March 22, 2022
Why Washington Home Buyers Could Feel the Urgency This Season

If buying a home in Washington State is on the agenda this year, you may want to consider getting in the market sooner rather than later before the spring season heats up.

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December 16, 2021
A Seattle Housing Bubble in 2022? The Evidence Suggests Not

Many people may be concerned that Seattle may be in the midst of a housing bubble. Is it? And will it burst any time soon in 2022?

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January 12, 2024
Denver Real Estate Forecast for 2024: Price Growth Ahead?

The real estate market in Denver has seen healthy gains in recent years, and this past year was no exception. This article will go over the housing market in Denver and where it’s expected to go in 2024.

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November 29, 2023
3 Things You Should Know About Washington State Jumbo Loans

If you are thinking of applying for a mortgage in Washington State, the loan amount you take out matters a great deal relative to the price of the home you intend to buy. Read on to find out more and to check out our loan limits tool.

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April 1, 2021
Ignore ‘The Bubble’ Talk – 3 Reasons Why This is an Excellent Time to Buy Real Estate

While a gloomy outlook on the real estate market can strike fear in some hearts and may deter a purchase until a later date, the fact is that this is an excellent time to purchase property. In fact, there are three good reasons why potential buyers may want to start moving forward with their buying plans soon.

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March 29, 2021
The Pros and Cons of Paying Cash When You Buy Your Next Home

With mortgage bubbles and real estate issues still in recent memory, one might feel that their best option is to buy their next home using cash instead of borrowing the necessary funds. In today’s article we’ll explore the pros and cons of paying cash for that next house or condo.

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October 21, 2021
Cash Out Refinance After a New Purchase?

Generally when you are purchasing a home, you are buying below the appraised value and you are making a down payment. The good news is this means you have “instant equity” in your home. For some homeowners, this means may…

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March 19, 2024
Using a VA Loan in San Diego to Buy a Home: A Borrower's Guide

VA loans are a popular mortgage financing option for home buyers in the San Diego metro area. In fact, San Diego County usually has a higher VA loan volume than any other county in the U.S. With its many Navy and Marine Corps bases and facilities, the San Diego area has a huge military population. That means there are many home buyers in the area who could benefit from using the VA loan program.

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March 14, 2024
Is Bellevue Cheaper or More Expensive Than Seattle For Home Buyers?

Seattle-area home buyers often want to know how different cities and communities compare with each other, in terms of home prices. Today we address one of those common questions: Is Bellevue cheaper than Seattle, from a real estate perspective?

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March 12, 2024
Denver's Real Estate Market in 2024: Better for Buyers

Recent reports have shown that the Denver, Colorado real estate market could be more friendly toward home buyers in 2024. Home prices have flattened out after several years of steady gains. Houses are taking longer to sell with fewer offers. And the Denver metro area was recently singled out as having the biggest increase in new real estate listings over the past year.

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March 6, 2024
A Market Comparison for Seattle's Most Popular Neighborhoods

Before paying hundreds of thousands of dollars for a home in Seattle, you want to make sure the neighborhood is a good fit for your lifestyle. This is arguably just as important as the house itself. So let’s explore the most popular neighborhoods in Seattle, from a home buying perspective.

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February 7, 2024
Homeowners Who Could Benefit by Mortgage Refinancing in WA State

Will the rest of 2024 be a good time to refinance a home in the state of Washington? Can homeowners benefit from the drop in mortgage rates that occurred at the end of 2023? Those are two of the frequently asked questions we’ll be addressing in this mortgage market update for 2024.

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January 29, 2024
The Washington FHA Loan: A Fact Sheet for Home Buyers

As a Seattle-area mortgage company, we do our best to educate local home buyers about their different mortgage options. To continue that tradition, we’ve created an FHA loan fact sheet for borrowers in the state of Washington.

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January 23, 2024
Portland Housing Market: Buyer Friendly in 2024

Portland, Oregon, home buyers could enjoy a slower real estate market in 2024, with lower home prices and mortgage rates. For these and other reasons, the Portland housing market could be more buyer-friendly in 2024 compared to the past few years. Here’s an updated look at current real estate trends across the Portland-Vancouver metro area, emphasizing the above buyer-friendly conditions.

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January 19, 2024
California Housing Market Inventory in 2024 Could Improve

Like many parts of the country, California’s housing market has suffered from chronically low inventory levels for quite some time. Supply levels dropped further during the first few months of 2023 due to higher mortgage rates that cooled the real estate market. But in the early days of 2024, California housing market inventory levels are starting to rise again. And once again, mortgage rates play a central role. Rate reductions over the past couple of months have brought more sellers into the market, increasing inventory levels.

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January 18, 2024
5 Mortgage Trends Affecting WA Home Buyers in 2024

In 2024, home buyers in Washington could enjoy lower mortgage rates than last year (on average), along with higher loan limits for FHA and conventional loans. Those are just two of the Washington mortgage trends you should know about in 2024, if you’re planning to buy or refinance a home. So let’s take a closer look at these trends and what they might mean for borrowers in 2024.

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January 16, 2024
Debunked: 7 Common Myths About Washington VA Loans

Surveys have shown there are many myths, misconceptions and misunderstandings surrounding VA loans. Some people who are well-qualified for the VA loan program, and could benefit from it, might be reluctant to apply due to misinformation. As a Washington-based mortgage company that specializes in VA loans, we do our best to educate military members and veterans about their mortgage-related benefits. So today, we will “debunk” seven of the most common myths relating to VA loans in the state of Washington.

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January 12, 2024
Average VA Loan Amount in WA State and Other 2024 Statistics

What’s the average VA loan amount in the state of Washington? How many VA loans are processed and closed in Washington each year, and how does that compare to the rest of the nation? These are just a few of the questions we can answer by reviewing a recent VA loan usage report published by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, summarizing the previous 12 months.

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January 4, 2024
Hottest California Housing Markets of 2024, According to Realtor.com

A recent housing market forecast published by Realtor.com suggested that California could have several of the hottest real estate markets in 2024. Southern California, in particular, is expected to see significant growth in 2024 in terms of home prices and sales. Here’s a look at the hottest California real estate markets of 2024 based on industry analysts’ latest data and projections

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January 3, 2024
Why 2024 Could Be a Good Time to Buy a Home in Oregon: 3 Reasons

Will 2024 be a good time to buy a home in the state of Oregon? As a mortgage company that serves the entire Pacific Northwest, we do our best to educate home buyers on current real estate market conditions across the region. Today, we set our sights on Oregon.

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December 14, 2023
Seattle Housing Market in 2023: Year in Review

As we approach the end of 2023, we thought it would be helpful to take a look back at how the Seattle-area real estate market has changed over the past year. No one can predict future real estate trends with complete accuracy. But hindsight has a way of helping us prepare for the future and make more informed decisions. With that in mind, here is our 2023 year in review for the Seattle housing market.

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December 11, 2023
How to Apply for a VA Home Loan in WA State

The state of Washington currently ranks #7 in the nation when it comes to the total number of military personnel living in the state. Because of this, plenty of folks could benefit from using a VA loan to buy a house. But there are specific steps you’ll need to take to get the ball rolling. In this article, you’ll learn how to apply for a VA home loan in the state of Washington.

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December 4, 2023
No Changes To Seattle Loan Limits For 2024

Federal housing officials recently announced that they would be increasing the conforming loan limits in 2024 for most counties across the U.S. Here in the Seattle metro area, the 2024 conforming loan limit will be set at $977,500 for 2024. Home buyers in Seattle who need to borrow more than this limit can do so as long as they have the income to support it. When you borrow more than the conforming loan limit for your particular county, it’s considered a “jumbo” loan.

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December 1, 2023
What Are the Documents Needed For a VA Loan in Washington?

Military members and veterans in Washington often use VA loans when buying a home. This popular mortgage program allows borrowers to finance 100% of the purchase price, avoiding the down payment altogether. Like all government-backed mortgage programs, VA loans have specific requirements when it comes to documentation. Some document requirements come from lenders, while the Department of Veterans Affairs imposes others.

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November 9, 2023
The Rise of Accessory Dwelling Unit Construction in Seattle, WA

According to a Seattle Times report published earlier this year, there were more accessory dwelling units (ADUs) built in 2022 than detached single-family homes. That was the first time in Seattle’s history that ADUs outpaced single-home construction, underscoring the rising popularity of “granny flats” and other accessory dwelling units. The surge in ADU construction in Seattle partly stems from regulatory overhaul. In short, the city has made getting accessory dwelling units approved easier and faster to help ease the ongoing housing shortage.

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October 23, 2023
San Diego Area Real Estate Market Outlook for 2024

A recent report showed that the San Diego real estate market experienced the most significant annual increase in home prices over the past year. It also experienced significant inventory declines during that same timeframe. But what does this mean for homebuyers in 2024? What’s the general outlook and forecast for the San Diego real estate market extending into 2024?

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October 18, 2023
Appraisals, Comparable Sales, and Market Values: A Washington Buyer's Guide

​​If you’re going to use a mortgage loan to buy a home in the state of Washington, you’ll probably experience the home appraisal process firsthand. In this article, we will explain the interconnected relationship between home appraisals, comparable sales, and market values. More importantly, you’ll learn how these things can influence the amount of money you’re able to borrow when buying a home.

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