Edmonds, WA

EDMONDS, WA -- Let’s talk about rules of etiquette for riding a ferry. Here in Edmonds, we have many unique features that make us “special.” One of these features is that we are one of 19 ferry terminals used by the Washington State Ferry System. Each year, the Washington State Ferries haul 24 million passengers – about a quarter of all U.S. ferry traffic. Its 24 vessels range from a tiny boat that links Tacoma to Vashon Island, to a tourist-friendly international run that winds through the scenic San Juan Islands to Vancouver Island in British Columbia.

On any given day, you can see a long line of cars parked along Edmonds Way waiting to get onto either of our two jumbo ferries for Kingston. Average wait times can be as little as 10 minutes to several hours. The question donned on me recently: what do you do if you’re stuck in one of these long lines in your car and have to go to the bathroom?

The question begs a greater about rules of etiquette while waiting for a ferry? While I don’t know of any published or official rules, I think there are some that are generally agreed upon by those or regularly take the ferries across the Puget Sound.

Rule #1. Don’t block driveways or intersections. When you have ferry lines backing up for a couple miles, it can be frustrating to navigate local streets. It’s important that as ferry passengers, you are alert enough to know that you should not block driveways and intersections (most of which are clearly marked as such) so that non-ferry traffic and move through these areas without hindrance. You might be weary of leaving such a big gap in between you and the car ahead of you for fear of someone cutting in front of you. But fear not, Rule #2 at your rescue!

Rule #2. No cuts allowed! As tempting as it may be to drive up an extra block or mile before getting in the ferry line, know that it is not only highly disrespectful but also illegal to do so. While you probably won’t face jail time, you’ll have no less than several people report you to the terminal crew or State Trooper on duty. Just ask Ed Sutton, chair of the San Juan Ferry Advisory Committee, who was caught cutting in line.

Rule #3. Don’t argue with the crew or ticket agents. They are doing their jobs. If you don’t get on, it’s not their fault (usually).

Rule #4. Be a gentleman. And if you can’t, show some grace anyway. Sometimes, you just *have* to get out of line temporarily. This actually happened to me when I really had to go to the bathroom. I got out of my car and asked the drivers of the three cars immediately behind me whether they had a problem with me driving to a bathroom and returning to my spot. They did not, so I left. Of course, it’s always the fourth person back who has a problem. He reported me to the State Patrol at the terminal who was more than understanding and let me on. The point is, everyone takes cheating the system seriously, but in the end, it’s probably not going to affect your ability to get on the next ferry, so stay calm and enjoy the ride.

Click here for more information about the Washington State Ferry system.

Visit my website for more information about the city of Edmonds, WA, or further musings at my “All Things Edmonds” blog.

Mortgage applicants rest easier if they know the mortgage process. This article outlines what to expect when working with me here at your local Edmonds, Washington mortgage company, The Mortgage Loan Center, LLC.

The first step in the mortgage process is for you to take some notes on what your goals are. An excellent question is how many years you plan to invest in the property you are obtaining a mortgage on. Another excellent question is will your future income keep up with the increases to cost of living and should you consolidate debt, if possible. These are questions that guide mortgage selection.

The next step in the mortgage process is to talk with me about your mortgage related goals and then ask and answer questions. My questions will be to determine your eligibility for different mortgages and how well certain mortgages fit your goals. I prefer to sit down in my office here in Edmonds when possible as I have access to a wider variety of analysis and other tools.

In the next step in the mortgage process I present you a rough idea of mortgage rates, costs, and payments for products you appear eligible for may meet your needs and goals. Please be aware that rates change continuously like the stock market.

*Outdated rate information which may not be available. Current rate and pricing information is available from my mortgage rate and cost analyzer.

The next step in the mortgage process is to fill out a loan application, Good Faith Estimate, and disclosures here in Edmonds or over the phone for the option that best fits your goals. These forms and a checklist of items are checked over by you. Filling these out in my office in allows immediate same day processing and faster rate locks!

The next step is to put together a perfect application package. Your signature and return of the application and checklist of items allows me to double check your loan application. A credit report will be pulled and credit information merged into the application. A copy of the credit report will be mailed to you if you don't stop by to pick it up.

After a perfect application is prepared next in the application process is to enter the information into a computerized underwriting system. The system I use most often is Fannie Mae's computerized Desktop Underwriter. All steps in the mortgage process up to now are typically done in a day or two.

The computerized approval may ask for additional documentation.

The next part of the mortgage process is to obtain a rate lock on your mortgage. I also request a title and escrow company to examine the title for your house. When everything is in order I proceed to order and appraisal using your credit or debit card number to pay . Appraisals cost ~$425 and are completed in roughly one to three weeks here in Edmonds, Washington. Ordering title, escrow, and going over the approval is typically completed by Day 2.

The next step of the mortgage process is for human lender underwriting. When title information arrives it is merged with your file and sent to underwriting at a lender. I prefer to use local accessible lenders within a short drive, especially for custom homes or complicated situations. A local human underwriter will look through your mortgage application and provide initial feedback on anything he or she wants clarified while they wait for the appraisal. This typically is done Day 10 to Day 12.

One of the last steps of the mortgage process is to obtain a final approval. Three days after the appraisal is received by the lender with additional conditions (if any) that were requested a final approval is issued! This is typically day 15-24.

The next step of the mortgage process is to order mortgage documents from the lender to be delivered to the title and escrow company for you to sign. This is day 17-26. At this point the escrow company will set an appointment for you to sit down with them to sign documents. Prior to signing you will receive an updated estimate of all costs and fees if any have changed.

The second to last step in the mortgage process is for you to sign the prepared mortgage documents. You receive a copy of all signed documents from the escrow company.

The last step of the mortgage process is for your loan to fund. The escrow company collects funds from you and the lender as appropriate. Purchase mortgages fund the next day, refinance mortgages fund after a three day waiting period. This is day 18 to 30!

For questions about your mortgage stop by my office in Edmonds if possible! You can also contact me via my mortgage rate and cost analyzer for mortgage scenarios, or via my contact information below. To learn a little more about me the profile for Stephen Ching is here.

Stephen Ching, Loan Originator 510 LO 35993

Office(425) 640 9789 or via web at http://seattle.rateswire.com
Cell (425) 344 2191

Mortgage Mortgage Center, LLC

22019 Hwy 99 #B

Edmonds WA 98026

License # 510-MB-20022

Loan Modification Edmonds, Mountlake Terrace, Shoreline, Washington

Homeowners around Edmonds, Mountlake Terrace, and Shoreline, Washington have faced a growing number of foreclosures, while home values continue to fall and frequently to less than what is owed on the mortgage loan. With more and more homeowners going “underwater”, the necessity for a home loan modification is growing greater every day.

The majority of homeowners now qualify for hundreds of dollars in monthly savings with a loan modification through the Obama administration’s “Making Home Affordable” plan. Under the HAMP program, a homeowner’s mortgage payment cannot exceed 31% of their gross income, and because most home loans exceed 31%, most borrowers are now technically eligible for HAMP assistance. Eligible borrowers are now getting approved for a 4% mortgage refinancing and modification plan under President Obama’s “Making Home Affordable” plan.

A Loan Modification:

• Lowers the homeowner's monthly payments;
• Lowers the loan's interest rate;
• Reduces the principle balance of the property;
• Swaps a rising adjustable rate for an affordable fixed rate;
• Adjusts the length of the loan terms
• Corrects payment delinquencies and defaults;

Amidst the growing foreclosures, many homeowners are still not familiar with the services and government programs now available to them. Due to new government regulations and programs designed to help homeowners avoid foreclosure, it may be easier to save your home now than ever before.

As a result, millions of homeowners are now more looking to avoid foreclosure with the help of a loan modification. Your home is the greatest financial commitment you will make in your life, and acquiring a secure and successful loan modification may be the best chance for you to avoid foreclosure and afford to stay in your house.

All professionals agree that the best advice for homeowners is to get informed and learn as much as you can about the options available, particularly when faced with foreclosure. Loan modification, now the fastest growing business in America, is quickly becoming Washington homeowners’ best hope for financial recovery. Even borrowers who have been denied a refinancing or home loan modification in the past have been having success with Obama’s mortgage refinance bailout plan.

Edmonds, Mountlake Terrace, and Shoreline, Washington homeowners now enduring unemployment, loss in income, credit card debts, a bad mortgage, or other financial hardships, can immediately determine what your current mortgage debt-to-income is and how much your monthly payment may be reduced if you qualify for Obama's Loan Modification Program.

Edmonds has arguably some of the entire Puget Sound's best beaches! Here is a day at the beach for us -There are a lot of great Puget Sound View Homes in Edmonds right now!

Make sure and check out what is available right now: Edmonds real estate

Here is Brackett's Landing at low tide! That is the ferry dock right behind it...

Ever go into a vacant house in the fall or winter? Dark, cold and echo filled spaces are not very appealing to potential buyers. Now that we are entering the fall season, it's so important that homes for sale convey warm, welcoming spaces to potential buyers.

Here are some "before staging" and "after staging" photos of a home we staged last week, which is now ready for the fall selling season:

Dining Room before: notice the hole in the ceiling where the light fixture should be.

Dining room after: the real estate agent purchased an inexpensive chandelier and look at the difference it makes! Adding the area rug, dining set and artwork helps, too!

Living room before:

Living Room after:

Master Bedroom before:

Master Bedroom after:

Master Bathroom before:

Master Bathroom after:

Kitchen before:

Kitchen after:

Breakfast nook off kitchen:

Main Bathroom before:

Main Bathroom after:

Staging provided by SISTERS Interior Redesign, Edmonds, WA, 425.776.7890, www.sistersredesign.com

Give all your listings the advantage of professional staging. Contact us today for a complimentary quote.

We look forward to working with you!