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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.

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.

The Seattle metro area housing market seems to have undergone yet another shift over the past few months. After cooling down during much of last year, the local real estate scene has been warming up again lately. The latest evidence can be found in a new report published by analysts at Realtor.com. It showed an ongoing decline in real estate listings with a price reduction. This suggests that Seattle-area sellers are less inclined to reduce their asking prices compared to a year ago.

In a previous article, we speculated on the possibility that California’s home-price downturn might end. Since then, even more evidence has come to light reinforcing that analysis. For example, data from Zillow and other sources show that the median home price has risen over the past few months. A new report from the California Association of Realtors predicts home sales and prices will increase in 2024. So, let’s look at these two “upturn” predictions for the California real estate market in 2024.

In California, mortgage insurance is often required when a home buyer makes a small down payment. A smaller down payment results in a higher loan-to-value ratio, which can require the borrower to pay mortgage insurance. This article is an educational resource for California home buyers and homeowners who have questions about this subject. Below, we have answered some of the most common questions relating to mortgage insurance in California, including costs, requirements, and other key topics.

It’s widely known that California has some of the highest home prices of any state in the nation. Because of this, it also has a much higher average down payment, when compared to other states. A recent report showed that the median or average down payment in some parts of California now exceeds $300,000, as of 2024.

Today, we’ll be examining current real estate market trends and conditions in Tacoma, Washington — one of the most affordable housing markets in the Seattle area.

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

Bellevue, Washington is one of the most popular real estate markets in the Seattle area. And if you currently live there, or have visited in the past, you probably already know why. It has low crime rates, great schools, cultural and recreational opportunities, and plenty of natural splendor. It’s also one of the most expensive real estate markets in the state of Washington, and for all of the same reasons mentioned above. So you definitely want to do some research before entering this housing market.

Last year, we heard a lot about real estate markets cooling down all across the country. But now, as we head further into 2024, the Seattle-area housing market appears to be revving up again.

The Portland, OR real estate market experienced a drop in inventory over recent years. Inventory in the Portland area still remains low, though local real estate experts believe we could see a shift in this trend. 

The rest of 2024 could be a great time to sell a home in the Seattle metro area, all the way into the winter months. There are several reasons for this, and we will cover the mall throughout this article. Here’s the short version. Steady demand and a dearth of inventory have created ideal conditions for home sellers in Seattle and other metro areas across the U.S. This has been the story for some time, and a new report suggested that these conditions could persist for the foreseeable future.

A recent report from the government-sponsored mortgage buyer Freddie Mac brought good news for home buyers across Washington. Mortgage rates continued to trend downward last week, after climbing to a 15-year peak toward the end of last year.

This downward trend could help improve affordability for home buyers in cities throughout Washington State. Here’s what you need to know about these recent mortgage rate trends, and how they might affect you when buying a home later this year.

The real estate market in Portland, Oregon has experienced a lot of interesting trends and developments over the past few years. So we thought it might be helpful to provide a 2024 roundup of the latest home price trends for the Portland, Oregon metro area.

Is 2024 a good time to buy a home in Tacoma, Washington? It sure is looking that way. Tacoma home buyers actually have a lot going for them these days, as explained below. The biggest benefits for buyers in 2023 include more inventory, more negotiating leverage, and an overall slower pace within the real estate market.

Don’t make the mistake of using APR alone to compare mortgage offers. Learn why it’s important to understand the difference between APR and interest rate.

Get a sneak peek at the 2023 housing market with our new forecast infographic. Find out how home price appreciation, mortgage rates, and home sales are expected to change in the coming year.

Are you planning to relocate to the Seattle metro area in the near future? Wondering what the local real estate market is like, and what it takes to buy a home? You’re in the right place.

As we explained in a recent blog post, the real estate market in Portland, Oregon has undergone quite a few changes. And it looks like that could continue into 2024 as well.

Recent forecasts and predictions for the Portland-area housing market suggest that things could be very different next year, compared to what we’ve become used to.

The biggest change has to do with the overall pace of the real estate scene.

Numerous reports have shown that the real estate market is cooling down, and that sellers are going the extra mile to attract offers. Among other things, this means they’ll probably be more willing to accept offers with government-backed mortgage loans, such as FHA and VA.

Recent forecasts for the Boise, Idaho housing market in 2024 suggest the market could look very different next year. After more than 18 months of overheated home-buying activity and record-setting price growth, the Boise real estate market might finally settle down.

Seattle Housing Market Inventory Decreased Year-Over-Year! Here’s what you need to know about housing market inventory growth in the Seattle area.

As of early 2024, the average down payment for a median-priced home in the Portland, Oregon metro area was around $63,368.

The big question is, what’s the best type of mortgage loan for a home buyer in the Seattle area? FHA, VA or conventional?

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

It’s widely known that California has some of the highest home prices of any state in the nation. Because of this, it also has a much higher average down payment, when compared to other states. A recent report showed that the median or average down payment in some parts of California now exceeds $300,000, as of 2024.

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.

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.

The down payment and closing costs are two of the biggest concerns people have when buying a house in Washington. And it’s easy to understand why. These two expenses can add up to thousands of dollars, and they typically have to be paid up front on closing day. In a previous article, we offered some tips to help you prepare for the closing process when buying a house in the state of Washington. Today, we’ll focus on the costs associated with this process, and what you can do to prepare for them in advance.

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.

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!

Home buyers in Washington tend to have a lot of questions about the mortgage application process. What is the first step when applying for a home loan? What kind of documents do I need to round up? How long does the application process take, and what happens next? Today, we will address these and other common questions about the mortgage loan application process for home buyers in Washington.

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!

Today, we want to shift gears and address a common question among remote workers in the state of Washington. Some employees who work remotely wonder if they are still able to qualify for a mortgage loan.

Is 2024 a good time to buy a home in Tacoma, Washington? It sure is looking that way. Tacoma home buyers actually have a lot going for them these days, as explained below. The biggest benefits for buyers in 2023 include more inventory, more negotiating leverage, and an overall slower pace within the real estate market.

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.

Bridge loans can help home buyers in Washington State purchase a new home before selling their current house. This strategy offers several advantages, which we’ve outlined below. In short, a bridge loan can help you “bridge” the financial gap between buying your next home and selling the current one.

In the real estate world, the big headline right now is that the housing market is cooling down. Home buyers within the Portland, Oregon housing market can actually benefit from this cooling trend. Below, we will examine three advantages buyers have today that they haven’t enjoyed for quite some time.

The real estate market in and around Seattle, Washington has gotten more expensive over the past few years. As a result, many home buyers in Seattle look for ways to minimize their monthly housing costs.

One way to reduce your monthly mortgage payments is to spread them out over a longer period of time. The popular 30-year fixed-rate mortgage allows you to do exactly that. A lot of Seattle-area home buyers use the 30-year loan option to reduce their monthly payments, thereby making homeownership more affordable.

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.

FHA loans are one of the most popular mortgage options among home buyers in the state of Washington, second only to conventional home loans. The FHA mortgage insurance program offers a number of benefits for borrowers, including a down payment as low as 3.5%. In this guide, we will explore the FHA loan down payment rules and requirements for borrowers in Washington. This will help you make a more informed decision about which type of loan you want to use.

Home buyers seeking a VA loan in Washington often have questions regarding the amount they can finance versus the amount they have to put down. Today, we will address one of those common questions: Can a VA loan cover the entire home purchase price in Washington?

Home buyers in California have struggled with housing market supply shortages for years, with inventory levels dropping to record lows. Now, in the spring of 2024, California’s real estate inventory shortage appears to be easing a bit. In a promising turn of events for prospective home buyers, the housing market experienced a significant uptick in supply during February. That’s based on a recent report from the California Association of REALTORS (C.A.R.).

An overview of the “escape clause” contingency for VA home loans that allow borrowers to back out of the deal in a low appraisal situation.

For years now, we’ve been hearing that Seattle, Washington is a seller’s market due to supply shortages and other factors. But the Seattle real estate market has changed a lot over the past few years. So we thought it was high time to revisit this subject by examining the latest housing trends and data.

Belltown is the most densely populated neighborhood within the city of Seattle. It’s also one of the most popular places to live in the city, well-suited for those seeking a walkable urban lifestyle. The Belltown neighborhood has a somewhat gritty and industrial history. But over the past decade or so, it has evolved into a haven of trendy restaurants, cool boutiques, exciting nightlife, and modern residential towers.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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?

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

FHA loans are one of the most popular mortgage options among home buyers in the state of Washington, second only to conventional home loans. The FHA mortgage insurance program offers a number of benefits for borrowers, including a down payment as low as 3.5%. In this guide, we will explore the FHA loan down payment rules and requirements for borrowers in Washington. This will help you make a more informed decision about which type of loan you want to use.

Home buyers seeking a VA loan in Washington often have questions regarding the amount they can finance versus the amount they have to put down. Today, we will address one of those common questions: Can a VA loan cover the entire home purchase price in Washington?

Home buyers in California have struggled with housing market supply shortages for years, with inventory levels dropping to record lows. Now, in the spring of 2024, California’s real estate inventory shortage appears to be easing a bit. In a promising turn of events for prospective home buyers, the housing market experienced a significant uptick in supply during February. That’s based on a recent report from the California Association of REALTORS (C.A.R.).

An overview of the “escape clause” contingency for VA home loans that allow borrowers to back out of the deal in a low appraisal situation.

For years now, we’ve been hearing that Seattle, Washington is a seller’s market due to supply shortages and other factors. But the Seattle real estate market has changed a lot over the past few years. So we thought it was high time to revisit this subject by examining the latest housing trends and data.

Belltown is the most densely populated neighborhood within the city of Seattle. It’s also one of the most popular places to live in the city, well-suited for those seeking a walkable urban lifestyle. The Belltown neighborhood has a somewhat gritty and industrial history. But over the past decade or so, it has evolved into a haven of trendy restaurants, cool boutiques, exciting nightlife, and modern residential towers.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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?

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

FHA loans are one of the most popular mortgage options among home buyers in the state of Washington, second only to conventional home loans. The FHA mortgage insurance program offers a number of benefits for borrowers, including a down payment as low as 3.5%. In this guide, we will explore the FHA loan down payment rules and requirements for borrowers in Washington. This will help you make a more informed decision about which type of loan you want to use.

Home buyers in California have struggled with housing market supply shortages for years, with inventory levels dropping to record lows. Now, in the spring of 2024, California’s real estate inventory shortage appears to be easing a bit. In a promising turn of events for prospective home buyers, the housing market experienced a significant uptick in supply during February. That’s based on a recent report from the California Association of REALTORS (C.A.R.).

For years now, we’ve been hearing that Seattle, Washington is a seller’s market due to supply shortages and other factors. But the Seattle real estate market has changed a lot over the past few years. So we thought it was high time to revisit this subject by examining the latest housing trends and data.

Belltown is the most densely populated neighborhood within the city of Seattle. It’s also one of the most popular places to live in the city, well-suited for those seeking a walkable urban lifestyle. The Belltown neighborhood has a somewhat gritty and industrial history. But over the past decade or so, it has evolved into a haven of trendy restaurants, cool boutiques, exciting nightlife, and modern residential towers.

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.

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.

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?

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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?

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.

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.

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.

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.

Home buyers in the Seattle area might be tired of hearing about tight inventory conditions and other challenges. It can be wearying. But if you’re planning to enter the Seattle real estate market in 2024, you’ll want to have a clear understanding of current market conditions. Here’s an update on the housing inventory situation in Seattle and what it might mean for homebuyers in 2024.

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.

Now, as we approach the fall of 2023, the Boise-area housing market seems to be entering yet another transitional phase. After falling sharply through the second half of last year, home prices in the Boise metro area have started rising again. And this trend could continue into 2024, as well.

Bellevue, Washington is one of the most popular real estate markets in the Seattle area. And if you currently live there, or have visited in the past, you probably already know why. It has low crime rates, great schools, cultural and recreational opportunities, and plenty of natural splendor. It’s also one of the most expensive real estate markets in the state of Washington, and for all of the same reasons mentioned above. So you definitely want to do some research before entering this housing market.

Learn about the VA funding fee and other home loan closing costs. Find out how it works, who pays it, and if you’re exempt from paying. This one-time payment makes homeownership more accessible for Veterans, service members, and survivors.

The Boulder real estate market forecast for 2024 holds out a sliver of hope for homebuyers wishing to secure a property as interest rates dip. Will inventory improve enough to give first-time home buyers a fighting chance?

It’s fortunate that more home listings are coming onto the market, according to the latest housing data available. This can make it easier for homeowners looking to sell to do so with confidence they can soon move into a new home.

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?

Thinking about buying a condo in the PNW? Here’s what you can expect to see for Seattle condo prices in 2024 before making your decision on where to move.

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.

Buyers in the luxury real estate market may continue to focus on high-end features, but lots of space may trump all other must-haves on their list. In particular, enough square footage to accommodate home offices, gyms, and other on-site amenities are what luxury homebuyers are looking for in a new home purchase.

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.

If you’re looking into buying a fixer-upper, then keep reading to find out what you need to know before taking the plunge.

We’re in the middle of a hot seller’s market, and we have been for a long time now, which is the direct result of high demand and low supply. It’s Economics 101. Read on to find out more.

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.

Looking to buy a home for investment purposes in Idaho? If so, check out this blog post to find out the best cities to invest in real estate in Idaho.

There are several reasons why getting a buyers home inspection is paramount, including your safety and to avoid buying a possible money pit.

Home buyers seeking a VA loan in Washington often have questions regarding the amount they can finance versus the amount they have to put down. Today, we will address one of those common questions: Can a VA loan cover the entire home purchase price in Washington?

Home buyers in California have struggled with housing market supply shortages for years, with inventory levels dropping to record lows. Now, in the spring of 2024, California’s real estate inventory shortage appears to be easing a bit. In a promising turn of events for prospective home buyers, the housing market experienced a significant uptick in supply during February. That’s based on a recent report from the California Association of REALTORS (C.A.R.).

For years now, we’ve been hearing that Seattle, Washington is a seller’s market due to supply shortages and other factors. But the Seattle real estate market has changed a lot over the past few years. So we thought it was high time to revisit this subject by examining the latest housing trends and data.

Belltown is the most densely populated neighborhood within the city of Seattle. It’s also one of the most popular places to live in the city, well-suited for those seeking a walkable urban lifestyle. The Belltown neighborhood has a somewhat gritty and industrial history. But over the past decade or so, it has evolved into a haven of trendy restaurants, cool boutiques, exciting nightlife, and modern residential towers.

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.

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?

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Home buyers in the Seattle area might be tired of hearing about tight inventory conditions and other challenges. It can be wearying. But if you’re planning to enter the Seattle real estate market in 2024, you’ll want to have a clear understanding of current market conditions. Here’s an update on the housing inventory situation in Seattle and what it might mean for homebuyers in 2024.

FHA loans are one of the most popular mortgage options among home buyers in the state of Washington, second only to conventional home loans. The FHA mortgage insurance program offers a number of benefits for borrowers, including a down payment as low as 3.5%. In this guide, we will explore the FHA loan down payment rules and requirements for borrowers in Washington. This will help you make a more informed decision about which type of loan you want to use.

Home buyers seeking a VA loan in Washington often have questions regarding the amount they can finance versus the amount they have to put down. Today, we will address one of those common questions: Can a VA loan cover the entire home purchase price in Washington?

Home buyers in California have struggled with housing market supply shortages for years, with inventory levels dropping to record lows. Now, in the spring of 2024, California’s real estate inventory shortage appears to be easing a bit. In a promising turn of events for prospective home buyers, the housing market experienced a significant uptick in supply during February. That’s based on a recent report from the California Association of REALTORS (C.A.R.).

An overview of the “escape clause” contingency for VA home loans that allow borrowers to back out of the deal in a low appraisal situation.

For years now, we’ve been hearing that Seattle, Washington is a seller’s market due to supply shortages and other factors. But the Seattle real estate market has changed a lot over the past few years. So we thought it was high time to revisit this subject by examining the latest housing trends and data.

Belltown is the most densely populated neighborhood within the city of Seattle. It’s also one of the most popular places to live in the city, well-suited for those seeking a walkable urban lifestyle. The Belltown neighborhood has a somewhat gritty and industrial history. But over the past decade or so, it has evolved into a haven of trendy restaurants, cool boutiques, exciting nightlife, and modern residential towers.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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?

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

FHA loans are one of the most popular mortgage options among home buyers in the state of Washington, second only to conventional home loans. The FHA mortgage insurance program offers a number of benefits for borrowers, including a down payment as low as 3.5%. In this guide, we will explore the FHA loan down payment rules and requirements for borrowers in Washington. This will help you make a more informed decision about which type of loan you want to use.

Home buyers seeking a VA loan in Washington often have questions regarding the amount they can finance versus the amount they have to put down. Today, we will address one of those common questions: Can a VA loan cover the entire home purchase price in Washington?

Home buyers in California have struggled with housing market supply shortages for years, with inventory levels dropping to record lows. Now, in the spring of 2024, California’s real estate inventory shortage appears to be easing a bit. In a promising turn of events for prospective home buyers, the housing market experienced a significant uptick in supply during February. That’s based on a recent report from the California Association of REALTORS (C.A.R.).

Belltown is the most densely populated neighborhood within the city of Seattle. It’s also one of the most popular places to live in the city, well-suited for those seeking a walkable urban lifestyle. The Belltown neighborhood has a somewhat gritty and industrial history. But over the past decade or so, it has evolved into a haven of trendy restaurants, cool boutiques, exciting nightlife, and modern residential towers.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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?

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

FHA loans are one of the most popular mortgage options among home buyers in the state of Washington, second only to conventional home loans. The FHA mortgage insurance program offers a number of benefits for borrowers, including a down payment as low as 3.5%. In this guide, we will explore the FHA loan down payment rules and requirements for borrowers in Washington. This will help you make a more informed decision about which type of loan you want to use.

Home buyers seeking a VA loan in Washington often have questions regarding the amount they can finance versus the amount they have to put down. Today, we will address one of those common questions: Can a VA loan cover the entire home purchase price in Washington?

Home buyers in California have struggled with housing market supply shortages for years, with inventory levels dropping to record lows. Now, in the spring of 2024, California’s real estate inventory shortage appears to be easing a bit. In a promising turn of events for prospective home buyers, the housing market experienced a significant uptick in supply during February. That’s based on a recent report from the California Association of REALTORS (C.A.R.).

For years now, we’ve been hearing that Seattle, Washington is a seller’s market due to supply shortages and other factors. But the Seattle real estate market has changed a lot over the past few years. So we thought it was high time to revisit this subject by examining the latest housing trends and data.

Belltown is the most densely populated neighborhood within the city of Seattle. It’s also one of the most popular places to live in the city, well-suited for those seeking a walkable urban lifestyle. The Belltown neighborhood has a somewhat gritty and industrial history. But over the past decade or so, it has evolved into a haven of trendy restaurants, cool boutiques, exciting nightlife, and modern residential towers.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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?

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

Is buying a home on the agenda for you in 2022? If so, there’s a little prep work that’s required. This infographic will explain more.

Multiple offers are common in a seller’s market. So, there’s a greater chance that a seller will turn down offers that are below the asking price.