With the Spring/Summer home-buying season upon us, a few interesting data points provide noteworthy implications for existing homeowners. According to the latest Case Shiller Home Price Index released on July 26, 2016, Seattle home price appreciation strongly outpaced the national average as of May, and remains one of the strongest markets in the country. On a year over year basis, Seattle (+10.7 percent), is only behind Portland (+12.5 percent), among the top appreciating markets in the U.S. and handily tops the 5 percent national average.

While the Case Shiller 20-city index remains below its prior peak, Seattle and Portland were among the seven cities whose prices have topped their prior highpoint.

According to Bankrate.com, today’s mortgage rates are at all-time lows, matching the prior all time low posted in December 2012.

The combination of increasing home values and historically low mortgage rates provides the opportunity for those who haven’t taken advantage of lower interest rates to consider refinancing their mortgage. Could refinancing improve your financial life? We’re here to help.