Author: Evan

My blog is a tool for me to provide updates on what is happening in the financial markets that will impact mortgage rates, update professional partners on what is happening in the mortgage industry, and write about general financially related topics.

Navigating the Competitive Spring Housing Market in Portland

Posted on by Evan in First-Time Homebuyer, Home Purchase

Just yesterday the front page of our local paper highlighted the challenges buyers face in this competitive spring market. If you’re a home buyer, watch this short video for practical steps to achieve the best outcomes:

  1. Be Proactive with Home Loan Financing: Start with a thorough pre-approval. Submit all supporting income and asset documents to get fully pre-approved.
  2. Understand Your Affordability: Know your budget. You might need to offer above list price, so understand how this impacts your payments, closing costs, and cash needed for closing. Work with a lender who explains these options clearly.
  3. Evaluate Contingencies: Consider waiving the appraisal contingency or qualifying for a cash guarantee program.

Want to learn more about your options to win in this marketplace? Contact us today!

Q&A: How Much Money Do You Really Need to Buy a Home?

Posted on by Evan in Swanson Home Loans Blog - Mortgage Rate Updates and More

Thinking about buying a home? In this video I breakdown 4 key areas to consider when figuring out how much money you need:

1. Professional Inspection: Expect costs around $1,000.

2. Closing Costs & Prorated Payments: Ranging from $7,000 to $20,000, but you might negotiate with the seller to cover these.

3. Buyer Representation Fee: Often negotiable with the seller.

4. Down Payment: Many loan programs offer assistance, so you might not need to save for this!

Want to learn more? Contact us!

Exciting Spring 2025 Housing Market Trends for Buyers!

Posted on by Evan in Swanson Home Loans Blog - Mortgage Rate Updates and More

Despite the headlines about high interest rates and lack of affordability, the spring buying season is looking promising!

  • More Homes for Sale: Inventory is up 150% compared to 2020-2021.
  • Balanced Market: More options and better negotiating power for buyers.
  • Motivated Sellers: Longer average days on market and more price reductions.
  • Lower Mortgage Rates: Conventional 30-year fixed rates are at a multi-month low.

Stay focused, work with a professional realtor, and make the most of this balanced market! Contact us today to get started.

Real Talk Ep 16 with Lee Davies: From Rookie to Real Estate Star!

Posted on by Evan in Real Talk

Welcome to another episode of “Real Talk,” where we dive deep into the minds of top real estate professionals to uncover how their past experiences shape their approach to serving clients. In this episode, we sit down with Lee Davies, a top-performing Realtor with 37 years of experience and the founder and president of Eleete Real Estate Company.

Lee is known for his unparalleled drive and dedication, which often goes misunderstood by those outside his company. His intense passion for serving his clients and supporting his Realtors is the cornerstone of his success. Join us as we explore Lee’s upbringing and professional influences, and discover how they have molded him into the exceptional leader he is today. Learn about the unique culture of Eleete Real Estate and gain insights that can inspire your own journey in the real estate industry.

Don’t miss this inspiring conversation with one of the industry’s most dedicated and talented professionals!

Q&A: How much house can I afford?

Posted on by Evan in Swanson Home Loans Blog - Mortgage Rate Updates and More

First-time homebuyers!

Curious about how much house you can afford? Watch this short video as I break down the art and science of determining your ideal home budget.

Learn about:

>Debt-to-income calculations

>The eligibility vs. suitability conundrum

>Personalized financial planning tips

Don’t miss out on expert advice tailored to your unique financial situation! Contact us today for a professional opinion on your home affordability.

Q&A: When Should I Start the Pre-Approval Process?

Posted on by Evan in Swanson Home Loans Blog - Mortgage Rate Updates and More

One of the biggest questions we get from future homeowners is: When should we start the loan pre-approval process? A common mistake is waiting until you’ve found your dream home to contact your lender. Instead, reach out to your lender before you start your home search. Once we have your application, it typically takes just a day or two for an initial pre-approval and a few more days for full underwriting. This way, when you find your dream home, you can move quickly! Remember, loan pre-approvals cost nothing out of pocket and are valid for 120 days. If you have any questions, we’re here to help. Contact us today!

 

 

 

 

How Tariffs Impact Mortgage Rates

Posted on by Evan in Swanson Home Loans Blog - Mortgage Rate Updates and More

Hey everyone, it’s Evan Swanson from Guild Mortgage!

With new tariffs affecting the economy, many are wondering how this impacts the housing market. Here’s a quick breakdown:

>Tariffs can cause inflation, which is a key driver of mortgage rates.
>Higher inflation expectations often lead to higher mortgage rates.
>Good news: Mortgage rates are currently at multi-month lows despite the tariffs!

Stay tuned for more updates as things remain volatile.
Thanks for watching and please reach out with questions or if I can be of assistance!

Real Talk Ep 15 with David Battany: Unlocking Homeownership

Posted on by Evan in First-Time Homebuyer, Fixed Rate, General Mortgage Info., Housing & Real Estate, Mortgage Programs

Welcome to another episode of the Real Talk video podcast series! In this episode, we are thrilled to interview mortgage industry veteran and capital markets expert, David Battany. With over 30 years of experience as a leader in the field, David shares his invaluable insights on the significance of homeownership in our society.  Join us as David demystifies the true determinants of mortgage rates and provides expert advice on when consumers should consider locking in a rate.

His profound understanding and passion for the industry make this episode a must-watch for anyone interested in the mortgage market. Don’t miss out on this engaging and informative conversation with one of the brightest minds in the field. We’re honored to have David on the show!

Fannie Mae’s New Rules: Impact on Condo Financing

Posted on by Evan in Swanson Home Loans Blog - Mortgage Rate Updates and More

Recent changes by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac regarding HOA master insurance policies are impacting condo financing.

I’ve recorded a detailed video explaining these changes and their effects. If you’re a real estate professional, condo owner, or buyer, this is crucial info!

Unlocking Homeownership: Family Gifts

Posted on by Evan in First-Time Homebuyer, General Mortgage Info.

Are you a first-time homebuyer in need of down payment funds? Or perhaps you’re a parent or grandparent looking to help your children or grandchildren buy their first home? In this video, we explore tax-efficient strategies to make your dreams a reality!

Join us as we dive into the 2025 IRS Annual Gift Tax Exclusion and Lifetime Exemption amounts. We’ll show you real-life examples of how to structure gifting in a way that avoids triggering gift taxes. Learn how to maximize your financial support without the tax burden.

Don’t miss out on these valuable insights! Watch now to discover how you can help first-time homebuyers achieve their homeownership goals.