We are committed to offering mortgage loans that have great rates, transparent pricing, and a fast and easy process – resulting in a better experience for our clients. You could save thousands on your mortgage.
To determine how much house you can afford, many experts agree that people should spend no more than 28 percent of their gross monthly income on housing expenses and no more than 36 percent on total debt — that includes housing as well as things like student loans, car expenses, and credit card payments.
There are many types of home loans offering different terms and rates, some requiring lower down payments than others. Use this simple mortgage loan amortization calculator to find out what your payments would be and help determine the maximum home price you feel comfortable with.
Typically, if you’ve never owned a home, you are considered a first-time home buyer. Additionally, if you have not owned a primary residence for the last three years, you may still be considered a first-time home buyer. There is maximum financing and flexibility for first time homebuyers, with as little as 3% down. FHA loans are very popular for first-time buyers due to low down payment requirements of 3.5%.
There’s more to consider than just getting a lower mortgage rate. You should also weigh how long you plan to stay in your home. Use our refinance break even calculator, to determine the number of months to break-even if you refinance the loan.
People typically start thinking about a refinance when they notice mortgage rates falling below their current loan rate. But there are some other good reasons for refinancing your home loan:
- If you’re looking to pay off the loan quicker with a shorter term.
- You currently pay private mortgage insurance (PMI) and now you’ve gained enough equity in your home to refinance without the mortgage insurance.
- You’re looking to utilize your home equity with a cash-out refinance.
Cash-out mortgage refinancing is a way to both refinance your home mortgage and borrow money at the same time. It allows you to borrow more than your current loan, typically up to 80 percent of your home value, and receive cash (cash-out) for the amount that is higher than your current loan balance. To qualify for a cash-out refinance, you’ll generally need to get your home appraised.
These loans make it easier for veterans of the U.S. armed forces, and sometimes their spouses, to buy homes. VA Home Loans are provided by private lenders, such as banks and mortgage companies. They don’t require a down payment and are guaranteed by the Department of Veteran Affairs, enabling the lender to provide you with more favorable terms.
Use our VA loan calculator to see current rates and payment amounts.
- No down payment: Qualified VA Loan borrowers can purchase a home without a down payment. Most home loan programs require you to make at least a small down payment to buy a home. The VA loan is a true no-money-down opportunity.
- No private mortgage insurance (PMI): Typically, lenders require you to pay for mortgage insurance if you make a down payment that’s less than 20 percent. This insurance protects the lender in the event you default on your loan. There is no mortgage insurance with VA loans.
- Lower closing costs: The VA limits the closing costs lenders can charge to VA loan applicants. Homebuyers can ask sellers to pay all their loan-related closing costs and up to 4 percent of the purchase price for things like prepaid taxes and insurance, collections and judgments.
- No prepayment penalties: A VA loan won’t restrict your right to sell your home. There’s no prepayment penalty or early-exit fee no matter within what time frame you decide to sell your home.
- Lower interest rates: VA loans typically have the lowest average interest rates of all loan types.
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Mortgage loans with nothing to hide.
We put everything on the table
- You’re encouraged to compare rates from local lenders.
Our real mortgage rates are posted upfront – no bait and switch.
- Local relationships with real humans means we’re accountable.
- There are no surprises in our fine print, ever.
We operate differently so you save
- Our lean organizational structure keeps costs down.
- Tech is there when you need it, and boosts efficiency.
- You’ll get the same fair rates from all our loan officers.
Focused on serving Washington and Oregon, we know the local market.
We deliver a higher level of service
All our mortgage loan officers average more than 15 years of experience.
- Our pre-approvals are rock solid.
- You’ll receive status updates from application to closing.
Post-closing, we’ll monitor your loan for the best rates.
It Starts With You
Upwell is founded on the belief that price and convenience shouldn’t come at the expense of dedicated service. We’re raising the industry bar by insisting that you can have it all. The advantages of leading-edge innovation, and the power of human relationships. This bright vision is fueled by the passion of our founders and built on decades of experience. We are committed to providing you with the best customer service.
Frequently Asked Questions
Answers to common questions about mortgage loans.
Purchasing a home can seem overwhelming, with so many options and industry jargon. Take a few minutes to understand the various types of home loans so you can move forward with confidence. Our mortgage rates calculator will provide you with rates and loan types for your situation.
- Fixed Loans: A Fixed loan has an interest rate that does not change for the duration of the loan, so your mortgage principal and interest payments stay the same. Fixed loans typically come in terms of 10 years, 15 years, 20 years, 25 years, or 30 years.
- Adjustable Rate Mortgage (ARM) loans: There are numerous types of ARM loans, with the most popular having a fixed term for a specified number of years (such as 5, 7, or 10 years) and can then be adjusted each year thereafter, up or down based on an index.
- FHA Loans: These are mortgages guaranteed by the Federal Housing Administration. The required down payments are smaller with these loans.
- VA Loans: These loans make it easier for veterans of the U.S. armed forces, and sometimes their spouses, to buy homes. They don’t require a down payment and are guaranteed by the Department of Veteran Affairs.
- Jumbo Loans: Jumbo refers to a mortgage that’s too big for the Federal Government to purchase or guarantee. The current limit is defined by the county where the property is located.
Mortgage rates are driven by movements in the financial markets around the world. When the economy is going strong, bond prices drop, and rates increase. Conversely, when the economy retreats, interest rates will tend to fall.
View current mortgage rates for fixed-rate, FHA, and Jumbo mortgages and get custom rates.
To determine how much house you can afford, many experts agree that people should spend no more than 28 percent of their gross monthly income on housing expenses and no more than 36 percent on total debt — that includes housing as well as things like student loans, car expenses, and credit card payments.
There are many types of home loans offering different terms and rates, some requiring lower down payments than others. Use this simple mortgage loan amortization calculator to find out what your payments would be and help determine the maximum home price you feel comfortable with.
Typically, if you’ve never owned a home, you are considered a first-time home buyer. Additionally, if you have not owned a primary residence for the last three years, you may still be considered a first-time home buyer. There is maximum financing and flexibility for first time homebuyers, with as little as 3% down. FHA loans are very popular for first-time buyers due to low down payment requirements of 3.5%.
Pre-approval allows you to get pre-approved for a specific loan amount prior to finding the home you want to purchase. The loan documents are reviewed, and the lender commits to a specific loan amount. A strong pre-approval can provide an advantage if someone else is interested in the same home simultaneously.
Drop us your details online or call us (425-748-9990) to get an accurate pre-approval right away. With your loan pre-approved, you can shop for a home knowing you’re ready to make a rock solid purchase offer.
