Sorry, this page could not be found

Maybe you were looking for this:

March 28, 2024
Basic VA Loan Requirements: Three Things You Need to Qualify

Explore the fundamental criteria for securing a VA home loan in our comprehensive guide. We delve into the key requirements including credit score, debt-to-income ratio, and documented income, providing insights to help military members and veterans navigate the loan process seamlessly. Whether you’re a first-time homebuyer or seeking to refinance, understanding these VA loan prerequisites is crucial for a successful mortgage application.

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
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 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
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.

Read more
November 30, 2023
Market Outlook for Washington First-Time Buyers in 2024

Are you planning to buy your first home in the state of Washington sometime during 2024? Wondering what the real estate market might be like next year and how it could affect you? If so, you’re in the right place. Sammamish Mortgage created this report to bring first-time home buyers up to speed on current market trends across the state of Washington so you can enter the market more prepared.

Read more
October 9, 2023
Denver Housing Market Forecast for 2024: Steady Gains Ahead?

What’s the general outlook and forecast for the Denver, Colorado, housing market in 2024? Will the Mile High City hit a plateau next year regarding home-price growth? Or will house prices climb again now that they’re past the post-pandemic doldrums? While it’s difficult to offer real estate market predictions with complete accuracy, the Denver-area housing market seems likely to experience steady price gains in 2024.

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.

Read more
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.

Read more
January 26, 2024
Boise's Housing Market Inventory Has Declined in 2024

Housing market inventory within the Boise, Idaho metro area has experienced some serious ups and downs over the past few years. The current real estate market is not as tight or competitive as it was during the past few years. Even so, inventory levels have trended downward in 2024.

Read more
January 24, 2024
Reports Show Seattle Housing Market Inventory Low in 2024

As of early 2024, inventory levels within the Seattle metro area real estate market continue to be very low, though may slowly change in 2024.

Read more
June 13, 2023
Portland, Oregon Housing Market Forecast Into 2024

It has been a while since we took a forward-looking view at the real estate market in Portland, Oregon (one of the primary markets we serve). And a lot has changed since our last forecast report, published back in October. Back then, this market was cooling down considerably. Now it appears to be heating back up again.

Read more
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.

Read more
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!

Read more
April 5, 2023
How to Prepare for Closing Day When Buying a Home in Washington

Today, we’ll approach this subject from a different angle, by explaining what you can do to prepare for closing day when buying a home in WA State.

Read more
February 7, 2023
Pros & Cons of Buying a House From Your Parents in Washington State

Your family home is special to you, and you’ve made many memories. How about keeping those memories going for the next generation? It’s possible when you’re buying your parent’s home.

Read more
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.

Read more
September 27, 2022
How to Transition from Renting to Buying a Home in Seattle, WA

Are you a Seattle-area renter who plans to buy a home in the near future? Do you have questions about how to transition from renting to buying? You’re in the right place. Below, we’ve assembled some useful tips and strategies for Seattle residents who want to switch from renting to buying a home.

Read more
October 12, 2023
6 Ways to Save Money When Buying a Home in Seattle, WA

Mortgage rates have risen recently, and Seattle home prices have also increased. So now more than ever, Seattle-area home buyers need to be budget-minded and market-savvy. Undoubtedly, higher housing costs make it harder for many people to buy a home. But “hard” does not always mean impossible. You can do several things to save money when buying a home in the Seattle area.

Read more
September 12, 2023
7 Things to Do Before Applying for a Mortgage Loan in Washington

There are hundreds of articles online that walk you through the different steps in the mortgage approval process. But far fewer explain the steps home buyers should take before applying for a mortgage loan, to increase their chance for success. In some ways, the preliminary steps are even more important than the ones you encounter after applying for a home loan. This is especially true when it comes to budgeting and saving. With that in mind, let’s explore some of the things you might want to do before applying for a mortgage loan in Washington.

Read more
January 26, 2024
Boise's Housing Market Inventory Has Declined in 2024

Housing market inventory within the Boise, Idaho metro area has experienced some serious ups and downs over the past few years. The current real estate market is not as tight or competitive as it was during the past few years. Even so, inventory levels have trended downward in 2024.

Read more
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.

Read more
February 7, 2023
Pros & Cons of Buying a House From Your Parents in Washington State

Your family home is special to you, and you’ve made many memories. How about keeping those memories going for the next generation? It’s possible when you’re buying your parent’s home.

Read more
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.

Read more
May 23, 2022
What is Multigenerational Housing?

No matter what your particular situation may be – whether it’s bringing in older grandparents to care for them, to house adult children as they just get started in their careers, or other reason – a multigenerational housing arrangement may be just what you need.

Read more
May 4, 2022
What's Driving Today's High Buyer Demand?

It’s a hot seller’s market right now and has been for quite some time. Buyer demand continues to be very strong, which has helped keep home prices soaring in many centers throughout Washington, Oregon, Idaho, and Colorado.

Read more
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.

Read more
June 24, 2022
Home Affordability Isn’t The Challenge Some Are Claiming It To Be

Buying a home might sound like an insurmountable feat, but is it really? In this article, we’ll show you that despite the high cost of a home purchase, home affordability may not be as big of an issue as you may think.

Read more
December 30, 2021
What Buyers and Sellers Need To Know About the Appraisal Gap

Unless you’re paying cash, a home appraisal is a must. The results of the appraisal can impact whether or not you’re able to move forward with your home purchase. Here’s what you need to know about the dreaded appraisal gap.

Read more
May 17, 2022
Do You Qualify For a No Closing Cost ReFi?

A no closing cost refinance can help you in a variety of ways. You might be able to leverage a lower interest rate, or you could lengthen your loan term to spread out your loan balance and make your monthly payment smaller over the life of the loan.

Read more
October 12, 2021
Steps You Can Take To Attract Offers & Potential Buyers

There are a variety of steps you can take as a seller to ensure that you are attracting serious buyers looking for homes and those who are ready to make an offer.

Read more
September 29, 2021
Millennials’ Homeownership Rate Trails Older Generations

There are several things millennials can do to realize their dream of homeownership in 2021, including preparing ahead of time for the mortgage and home buying process.

Read more
November 9, 2022
Options for First Time Home Buyers

With a housing market this competitive, sometimes first time home buyers have to think outside the box. If you’re having trouble finding your first home, here are a few things to consider.

Read more
April 7, 2022
Waiting to Buy a Home Could Cost You

Many would-be homebuyers are still sitting on the fence wondering if they should buy a home now or wait until their finances are a little stronger. Does that sound like you? Check out this infographic to find out why you shouldn’t wait too long.

Read more
March 28, 2024
Basic VA Loan Requirements: Three Things You Need to Qualify

Explore the fundamental criteria for securing a VA home loan in our comprehensive guide. We delve into the key requirements including credit score, debt-to-income ratio, and documented income, providing insights to help military members and veterans navigate the loan process seamlessly. Whether you’re a first-time homebuyer or seeking to refinance, understanding these VA loan prerequisites is crucial for a successful mortgage application.

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
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 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
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 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
December 22, 2023
Lower Mortgage Rates Could Ease Seattle Housing Costs in 2024

In this report: a review of recent mortgage rate trends at the end of 2023 and how they could help reduce Seattle housing costs in 2024.

Read more
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.

Read more
December 5, 2023
Buying a FSBO in WA State: Pros and Cons, and How to Do It Right

Housing market inventory across the state of Washington is expected to remain tight in 2024, as it has been for several years now. One forecast predicted that we would see a decline in the number of homes for sale next year. Because of this, home buyers in WA State should explore all avenues for finding a property. And one of those avenues involves buying a for sale by owner or FSBO property.

Read more
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.

Read more
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 30, 2023
Market Outlook for Washington First-Time Buyers in 2024

Are you planning to buy your first home in the state of Washington sometime during 2024? Wondering what the real estate market might be like next year and how it could affect you? If so, you’re in the right place. Sammamish Mortgage created this report to bring first-time home buyers up to speed on current market trends across the state of Washington so you can enter the market more prepared.

Read more
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.

Read more
March 28, 2024
Basic VA Loan Requirements: Three Things You Need to Qualify

Explore the fundamental criteria for securing a VA home loan in our comprehensive guide. We delve into the key requirements including credit score, debt-to-income ratio, and documented income, providing insights to help military members and veterans navigate the loan process seamlessly. Whether you’re a first-time homebuyer or seeking to refinance, understanding these VA loan prerequisites is crucial for a successful mortgage application.

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
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 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
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 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 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
December 22, 2023
Lower Mortgage Rates Could Ease Seattle Housing Costs in 2024

In this report: a review of recent mortgage rate trends at the end of 2023 and how they could help reduce Seattle housing costs in 2024.

Read more
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.

Read more
December 5, 2023
Buying a FSBO in WA State: Pros and Cons, and How to Do It Right

Housing market inventory across the state of Washington is expected to remain tight in 2024, as it has been for several years now. One forecast predicted that we would see a decline in the number of homes for sale next year. Because of this, home buyers in WA State should explore all avenues for finding a property. And one of those avenues involves buying a for sale by owner or FSBO property.

Read more
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.

Read more
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
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
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
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 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
December 22, 2023
Lower Mortgage Rates Could Ease Seattle Housing Costs in 2024

In this report: a review of recent mortgage rate trends at the end of 2023 and how they could help reduce Seattle housing costs in 2024.

Read more
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.

Read more
December 5, 2023
Buying a FSBO in WA State: Pros and Cons, and How to Do It Right

Housing market inventory across the state of Washington is expected to remain tight in 2024, as it has been for several years now. One forecast predicted that we would see a decline in the number of homes for sale next year. Because of this, home buyers in WA State should explore all avenues for finding a property. And one of those avenues involves buying a for sale by owner or FSBO property.

Read more
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.

Read more
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.

Read more
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
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.

Read more
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.

Read more
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?

Read more

Connect with a Mortgage Advisor Today!

Whether you’re buying a home or ready to refinance, our professionals can help.

Compare Mortgage Rates in Your Area Instantly

No Obligation and transparency 24/7. Instantly compare live rates and costs from our network of lenders across the country. Real-time accurate rates and closing costs for a variety of loan programs custom to your specific situation.

Subscribe to our newsletter