"Price growth in King, Pierce and Snohomish counties topped national averages for the eighth month straight."
SEATTLETIMES.COM
Seattle-area home prices rise faster than nearly every other U.S. city, driven in part by younger homebuyers
Fannie Mae & Freddie Mac will delay the implementation date of the adverse market refinance fee, moving it forward to December first. The .50 basis point fee to all refinances was previously set to begin September first.
HOUSINGWIRE.COM
FHFA delays refinance fee start date to Dec. 1 - HousingWire
Squeezed up by a combination of low supply and high demand, home prices broke records in nearly every major Washington State county last month.
SEATTLETIMES.COM
Hot, hot summer for Washington home shoppers: Record-breaking prices and a cutthroat market
"It’s a deceptively simple question that nearly all designers ask at the start of a project: “How do you want your home to feel?” " And how do you achieve that feel in your own home? Take the quiz below for some great ideas to create your ideal living space.
HOUZZ.COM
The Question That Can Make You Love Your Home More
Today is National Ice Cream day! In 1984, President Reagan signed a proclamation that declared the third Sunday of July to be known as National Ice Cream Day. More interesting ice cream facts below.
Enjoy your Sunday and maybe get some ice cream.
CNN.COM
Fun facts about ice cream
"Traditionally, homebuyers hear they must be able to put 20% down, but depending on where you live and what kind of mortgage you get, you might not need that much." If you have questions about buying a home, we can help!
CNBC.COM
What's more important when applying for a mortgage: excellent credit or 20% down payment?
The 2020 Farmers Almanac fall color prediction list estimates peak color in Washington State between October 12-28. Check out the list and ideas for fall color drives in our beautiful state.
GREATERSEATTLEONTHECHEAP.COM
Getaway: 11 scenic drives for Washington State fall color - Greater Seattle on the Cheap
Get ready for extra Spooky Halloween skies!
Rare Blue Moon will bring a Halloween treat to the skies this October 31st. For the first time since 1944, there will be a full moon visible across the entire U.S. on Halloween night. The Halloween full moon is also known as a "blue" moon because it's the second full moon of the month. Click below to learn more.
https://www.farmersalmanac.com/blue-moon-supermoon-2020-104546
FARMERSALMANAC.COM
A Rare Halloween Blue Moon in 2020 - Mark Your Calendars!
“Low mortgage rates have become a regular occurrence in the current environment,” said Sam Khater, Freddie Mac’s Chief Economist. “As we hit yet another record low, the tenth record this year, many people are benefitting as refinance activity remains strong. However, it’s important to remember that not all people are able to take advantage of low rates given the effects of the pandemic.”
"Perhaps the most unexpected effect of COVID-19 is the real estate boom," the study's authors wrote. "With demand for mortgages up 25% and rates at astonishing lows, it’s no surprise that housing markets across the country feel more competitive than ever."
KOMONEWS.COM
Seattle ranks as most competitive housing market in U.S., study finds
"Credit scores continually go up and down as information on your credit report gets updated. New balance amounts, bill payments and account openings are only a few factors that appear on your credit report and influence your credit score."
CNBC.COM
Constantly checking your credit score? Here's how often it updates
“Mortgage rates jumped this week as a result of positive news about a COVID-19 vaccine,” said Sam Khater, Freddie Mac’s Chief Economist. “Despite this rise, mortgage rates remain about a percentage point below a year ago and the low rate environment is supportive of both purchase and refinance demand. Heading into late fall, the housing market continues to grow and buttress the economy.”
To everyone who has served, and those who continue to serve today, Thank you!
Residents of Washington State have the third highest credit scores in the nation. The higher your score the better, but strive for a minimum score of at least 750 in order to make your credit score work for you.
KOMONEWS.COM
Wash. state residents have 3rd highest credit score in U.S., study finds
Mortgage rates continue to hover at record lows.
WASHINGTONPOST.COM
Mortgage rates remain near record low amid stock market turbulence
Viewing real estate listings has always been popular and the pandemic is driving the obsession to new heights. So much so, that Saturday Night Live had to get in on the action.
QZ.COM
America’s growing obsession with real estate gets the SNL treatment
It's Super Bowl Sunday! Did you know it takes four full months to make the Lombardi Trophy, and it's made by a luxury jewelry company? Can you guess who makes it? See below to see if you are right and more fun facts about the big game and it's trophy.
SPORTINGNEWS.COM
Who makes the Lombardi Trophy? Fun facts to know about the NFL's Super Bowl prize
Greater Seattle home prices rising faster than the national average.
SEATTLETIMES.COM
Seattle home prices still climbing at second-fastest rate in nation
Buying your first home is a big financial decision. Have questions? We can help.
REALTOR.COM
5 Myths About Transitioning From Renter to Homeowner
"Mortgage rates fell to another record low last week.
The average interest rate on a 30-year fixed-rate mortgage dropped to 2.65%, according to Freddie Mac. That's the lowest level in the nearly 50 years that the mortgage giant has been publishing the survey. The 15-year fixed-rate mortgage dropped to 2.16%."
CNN.COM
Mortgage rates kick off 2021 with a new record low
Good riddance 2020! Mortgage rates, housing sales, affordability, what will 2021 be like for the housing market? Only time will tell tell. Below you’ll find forecast and housing market predictions on key trends that will shape the year ahead.
REALTOR.COM
2021 Housing Market Predictions and Forecast - Realtor.com