Good morning! I wanted to share with you some great information about how you can choose the best lender for your situation.  Here goes.1) It's important to work with a professional who knows what they're doing.  They should be up-to-date on market conditions and ask the right questions in order to put you in the best loan you're comfortable with.  Too many people in my industry are interested in just making a buck.  Thank God a lot of the lenders have curtailed their exotic loan programs (option ARM's, etc) as it forces us to not necessarily focus on the biggest payout but on you, our customer. A professional will know about the latest economic reports and what they mean.  A pro will be as much a couselor and trusted advociate as he is your salesperson.2) If it seems too good to be tru... 08/08/2007

Wow!  What an interesting week last week.  On Thursday, the buzz in my office was palpable.  I'm newer to the business so have decided not to be affected by what's going on.  But the more experienced loan officers in my office were scratching their heads.  They were watching deals fall through on exotic (option ARM's for example) loans and having to place them with other lenders, locking and hoping that it would go through.  I personally think the market got spooked by American Home Mortgage's failure.So what should be done?  Number one, realize this may not be a quick fix.  For probably the next 30 days or so, the lenders will remain skittish and I wouldn't be surprised if there are more failures.  If you have an opportunity to do conventional, conforming loans do them.  We're entering... 08/04/2007

Hello all:  The mortgage market here has definitely tightened.  Currently, there is as much as a 9 month inventory of houses for sale in most areas.  Anything above a 6 month supply can be considered a buyer's market.  A lot of my real estate agent friends are struggling right now.  And I feel for them.  Two years ago, almost any homebuyer could get a loan.  Now, it's only the people with great credit and money in the bank that are guaranteed.It's an interesting paradox here.  The economy is still strong up here with several companies hiring and thousands moving to the state every year.  However, housing was so strong here for years, I believe that a slowdown was bound to happen.  So what's the message to our customers?  Make sure you have your financial house in order if you plan on bu... 08/01/2007

Good afternoon! Today I thought I'd talk about my commitment to you as a loan officer. 1) I will be honest and ethical in all my communications with you.  For example, if I tell you I will do a certain type of loan  for you at a certain rate, that's what will happen even if things change during the loan process.  2) I will underpromise and overdeliver.  I won't guarantee something that I can't follow through on.3) I will return all your phone calls, good and bad.  I am ultimately responsible for getting the loan done.4) If a mistake occurs during the loan process, it's my fault.  As tough as it is to admit and easy to point fingers elsewhere, if something goes wrong it's because I missed something.5) I will be available to you whenever you need me.  I will focus on your loan until it ge... 07/12/2007

According to the Renton Reporter, nominations for the 2007 Renton Citizen of the Year program to honor someone who is dedicated to making Renton a better place to live are being accepted through August 31st. Nomination forms are available at the Renton Chamber of Commerce and other community buildings, or can be dowloaded by visiting the Spotlight section of the city of Renton Web site at http://www.rentonwa.gov/. The sponsors list the following criteria for nominees:-Serve Renton beyond the call of duty-Demonstrate character, commitment and community service in several areas of interest-Contribute his or her talents in helping others-Demonstrate exceptional leadership abilitiesRenton's Citizen of the Year program is sponsored by the Renton Chamber of Commerce, the Rotary Club of Renton... 07/10/2007

I was thinking yesterday how important your credit score is, especially now with the loan world being so much tougher.  Your credit score determines everything including how much your mortgage will cost, your car, your insurance, and even your ability to rent a place if you're not a buyer yet.  All the more reason to make your payments on time (one late payment can impact your score by 40 points or more) and to use your credit wisely (make sure your accounts aren't all maxed out).  These 2 factors account for 65% of your credit score.  If you are remiss in either one of these two areas (or both), expect to pay a much higher rate to borrow money.So what is a good credit score?  Ideally, it's 680 or above.  720 is better still.  If you don't know your credit score, you can check it free o... 07/09/2007

The City of Renton helps homeowners who have low to moderate incomes maintain their homes. These free services focused on health and safety are provided to city residents to help keep housing affordable and neighborhoods attractive and safe.Eligibility guidelines are listed below. For program information or an application call 425-430-6650 or go to rentonwa.gov and search for HRAP.Families of the following sizes with the corresponding annual income qualify for this program.1: $41,7002: $47,7003: $53,6504: $59,600 07/07/2007

I'm all for celebrating our nation's independence but in doing so, we should also adhere to the very laws we have established as a democratic society.Since 2005, there has been a total ban on the use, sale, and posession of any fireworks within the city limits of Renton. An initiative was put on the ballot to overturn this law last November but it failed overwhelmingly.The fireworks ban is not an attempt to stifle our patriotism. It's a law supported by the majority of Renton's citizens that has been proven to reduce injuries, fires and property damage.According to Renton Now a publication of the Renton Chamber of Commerce, there were 244 fireworks related injuries, 8 amputations, 1,072 fires and 4 million dollars in damage before the ban. During the year after the ban was put in place,... 07/05/2007

Good morning!  The loan environment these days is much tougher than it was even last year.  It used to be that anyone with a pulse (lol) could get a loan.  Unfortunately, that led to a lot of loans that were given to borrowers who probably couldn't afford them.  We could spread blame all around if we wanted to.  I'd prefer to say that money gets easier to borrow when times are good.  It's capitalism at its finest.  Now, the real estate market has cooled and, with it, it's tougher to get a loan.With the above in mind, there are two things you can do to make sure you qualify for a loan.  One, have a great credit score.  You can check your credit free once a year at www.annualcreditscore.com. A great credit score is over 700.  This will get you the most favorable pricing on your loan.  if ... 07/03/2007

Hello all:  I hope you had a nice weekend and have big plans for the Fourth!  I'm curious as to your thoughts about us, your mortgage lender.  How did we do for you?  I'd like you to share your experiences good and bad on your last loan, all loans, etc. etc.  I'd like to think that most of us are dedicated to bringing you the very best and getting you a loan that meets your needs and criteria.  But I know that we work in a very confusing world and I'm not sure you'll ever fully understand our business.  All the more reason to communicate often with you to ensure a smooth transaction.Again, I welcome your comments here.  They are very much appreciated as we strive to be all a loan officer should be according to you.  Have a great day! Paul 07/02/2007

Good morning!  I wanted to take a few moments to thank you for allowing us to serve you!  It's a real pleasure.  We have a difficult job at times and, typically, if things go awry it's our fault.  Throughout the loan process, thank you for having the patience to get us all the stuff we need.  I explain to all my clients that in our business it's all about compliance.  You may not always like all the conditions needed to satisfy  your loan but it's important to get you a loan that works for you.  I promise that all of us will communicate with you and all the parties involved.  If we're not returning your phone calls, you have every right to call us on it.  We should also expect that maybe we won't be recommended again. So to all my fellow real estate professionals who are practicing top-... 06/30/2007

I was asked recently by a realtor why every deal we did had a different HUD, set of charges, etc. etc.  She indicated she always knew what she was paid-3%.  I explained to her that what we charged depended on the loan size and also if the lender was offering a rebate in addition to our origination fee.  It made me think as I believe in being honest and upfront with everyone. It seemed to work with the realtor-all she wanted to know was the truth.  Why is it that we feel like we can't justify what we charge?  Like we need to keep it a mystery.  In fact, I've decided that I charge 1% on all my loans (unless it's a larger loan amount) and I communicate that upfront with all my borrowers.The message to everyone here should be that it's best to communicate fully with our borrowers and to ans... 06/29/2007

Good morning!  Today I'd like to talk about all the different mortgages out there that are available to you.  In the old days, you pretty much had two choices, a 30 year or a 15 year fixed mortgage.  There were a few adjustable rate mortgages (specifically a 5/1 ARM-fixed for the first five years of your loan) but not many.  Today, your choices run the gamut.  the number one question you should ask yourself is how long do you plan on staying in your home.  If the answer is a while, a 30 year fixed mortgage may be for you.  Also consider what your tolerance for risk is.  If you want something safe and secure where you'll be able to sleep at night, again a 30 year fixed mortgage may be your ticket.  On the other hand, if you know you're only going to be in your home for a few years or so,... 06/25/2007

For years Puget Sound Energy and The Boeing Company have utilized much of the Renton's Waterfront and adjacent areas. Today, it is developing into a center for retail, and office-space developments. Between 2002 and 2004, The Boeing Company vacated about 900,000 square feet of space, leaving Renton with a 30 percent office vacancy rate. Renton City Hall  Renton is the fifth largest city in King County. It is centrally located, accessible by four state highways and interstate 405 and just mints away from Seattle, Bellevue, Tacoma, and SeaTac Airport. The city's population has grown 27 percent in the past 10 years to about 58,000 According the Renton Chamber of Commerce that Renton's relatively affordable land costs, the large portion of unincorporated King county that may annex into the ... 05/25/2007

Registration for fall entrance to kindergartens in the Renton School District will be held from May 1st through the 10th and on May 31. Registration for Bryn Mawr, Campbell Hill and Lakeridge will not begin until May 7.  According to the Renton Reporter, any child who will be 5 years old by August 31st is eligible for kindergarten. If you are a parent, you should register your child at the elementary school serving your residential area. To locate your neighborhood school, you can call the Renton school district's transportation office at 425-204-4455. Be sure to bring your child's birth certificate and immunization records to the registration.  Each elementary school will also host a "Kindergarten Round-Up" night in which a school tour will be given and information will be available. R... 04/30/2007

 The Orchards (www.orgsites.com/wa/theorchards/) is a planned community located in Renton, Washington in the Highlands.  Built in the early 1990's, The Orchards encompasses one square mile and more than 300 homes. This modern community has the feel of small town America. Housing options in The Orchards range from rental units at The Windsor Apartments (http://www.rentnet.com/) which are not officially part of the Orchards but sit across the street to Condos in both Plumgrove and Peachtree Lane.  Single Family homes with smaller lots share a central park in Cherrywood Lane. Orchards I and Orchards II both offer single family homes with larger lots but no central park. The various home styles in The Orchards include lofts, condos, townhomes and single-family homes.Services galore! The Orc... 03/23/2007

On March 18, 2007 at 13:00 PM, you are invited to an Open House at 611 Cheland Place NE in Renton. If you are looking for a Condo property in this area, don't miss this rare opportunity to visit this magnificent property. For a preview of this Condo property, check out my site at http://www.davidjedwards.com/. Please do not hesitate to Contact Me if you have any questions or wish to schedule a private showing.Driving Directions: From 405, take Sunset exit, up hill to Duvall, turn R onto 6th Ave, R onto Bremerton, R onto 6th Ct, around corner on left.Comments: Open House: Sunday 03/18/07 from 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM.David EdwardsREALTOR®Keller Williams Realty Southeast Sound425-890-8045E-Mail: david@davidjedwards.comWebsite: http://www.davidjedwards.com/Blogsite: http://www.davidjedwards.com/... 03/16/2007

How to Choose the Right School One of the most important decisions that every parent makes is choosing the best school for their children. This can be a very complicated decision. Here are some ideas to help you evaluate schools and make an informed choice. Do Your Research: Scholastic Considerations:What is the curriculum? What are the SAT scores? What grade does computer education start at? What is the total student population? What is the average class size? What is the student-teacher ration for your child's grade level?  You can check out the Washington State Report Card provided by the Superintendent of Public Instruction here: http://reportcard.ospi.k12.wa.us/ The Renton School District borders the Seattle, Bellevue, Issaquah, Tahoma, Kent, Highline and Tukwila school districts. ... 02/26/2007

On February 9, Kennydale's PTA hosted an annual Sock Hop enjoyed by hundreds. As you walked toward the front doors of the new, modern day Kennydale Elementary, you were immeditely taken back by the sight of about 10 beautifully polished motorcycles and their owners suited with black leather jackets and prideful smiles as if you were walking up to a drive-up diner expecting your waitress to come take your order on roller skates.  Standing in line to get in accompanied by hundreds of excited kids all dressed in poodle skirts and sweaters, and the boys in jeans and greased back hair.        Once in, you had your choice of pizza, picture booth, face-painting, glow jewelery and of course the hula-hoop and dance contests.          Surprisingly, these kids came to dance. Only until the lights ... 02/19/2007