Here is a quick message from Rosie about this post and the money saving ideas she's compiled to help you get COVID-19!
Tip #1 Save Money on Your Mortgage!
Contact your loan servicer to find out how they can help if you can’t make the payment. Forbearance is one way, but buyer beware-nothing is free! I recently sat down with one of our preferred lenders and asked everything my clients should know!
If would like to reach to Nichole Stearns directly here is her contact info!
Nichole Stearns - Branch Manager
Fairway Independent Mortgage Corporation
709.4136 nicholes@fairwaymc.com
#2 Still Paying PMI?
Still paying Private Mortgage Insurance (“PMI”) for your home mortgage? Your bank does not automatically remove it-you have to request for it to be removed! Save big each month if you have at least 20% equity in your home. Contact me and I can help determine that for you.
#3 Bank Loans
Bank loans – contact your debt companies and you may be pleasantly surprised to find helpful payment plans. Such as Bank of America. In response to COVID-19, Bank of America is offering payment deferrals for home loans, auto loans, and credit cards for up to 90 days. - https://www.businessinsider.com/personal-finance/bank-of-america-covid-19-2020-4
#4 Utilities
Utilities – contact your utility companies. Some are waiving late fees and creating a payment plan. Puget Sound Energy has a relief program and will not disconnect your power during Covid crisis. For more details - https://www.pse.com/press-release/details/learn-about-our-covid-19-response-plan
#5 Refinance
If your interest rate is over 4.5%, you may benefit from refinancing your home mortgage. Call your loan servicer to learn more.
#6 Stock Market
Stock Market – Want to learn more about market volatility and five actions to consider today? Watch this video provided by John Schneider, a Financial Advisor at Edward Jones. He is a Kent Chamber of Commerce Member, check out this video to learn more:
https://www.edwardjones.com/market-news-guidance/client-perspective/navigating-pullbacks-video.html
Here is John's info if you have any direct questions:
(253) 872-2600
john.schneider@edwardjones.com
www.edwardjones.com
#7 Real Estate Taxes!
Real Estate Taxes – if you are over 61 and fit into a financial category deemed by King County as eligible, you could drastically reduce your real estate taxes. Visit is helpful website to learn more: https://dor.wa.gov/content/property-tax-exemption-program-senior-citizens-and-disabled-persons
#8 Tips From a CPA
Local CPA, Lois Vankat from Shannon & Associates, has a website packed with great tips and information such as…
* Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (watch for your money in the mail if you qualify!)
* attention employers, there is a great read about the Family First Coronavirus Response Act
* Emergency Economic Relief Update – SBA loan programs summary
* What you should know about your retirement plan and how it is affected by the CARES act
* The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act – what does it mean for you?
* Relief for Washington Business and Employees
Learn more at https://www.shannon-cpas.com/resources/blog/
Here is Lois's information if you would like to reach out to her directly:
Lois D. Vankat, CPA
Senior Manager
Shannon & Associates 253.852.8500
lvankat@Shannon-CPAs.com
#9 For Tenants & Landlords
If you are a Tenant or a Landlord, learn about changes due to COVID crisis such as rent freeze, eviction bans, etc. Read this Rental Housing Association of Washington article:
https://www.rhawa.org/blog/governor-enacts-rent-freeze-expands-evictions-ban-due-to-covid-19-crisis
THANK YOU, HOW CAN I HELP?
If you need anything real estate related please reach out to me and my team! People are still selling, and buyers are still buying, and we are ready to assist you anyway we can!