Last week I had fun creating a spoof where I’m consoling a drunk racoon, Rocky. Rocky has the blues because he decided to chase a low rate with an online lender and now his home purchase transaction is on a rocky road. All joking aside, I actually have saved several purchases where clients who first opted for an online lender with a slightly lower rate discovered that the loan officer and their lender could not close their transaction. It’s easy to promise a low mortgage rate but that low rate doesn’t matter at all if your transaction doesn’t close. [Read more…]
Working with a Local Lender vs. an Online Lender for your Mortgage
December 12, 2025 by Leave a Comment
2026 FHA Loan Limits for Washington State Homes
December 11, 2025 by Leave a Comment
HUD has released the 2026 FHA loan limits for homes located in Washington State. FHA loan limits are set each year and vary by county and by the number of units (1–4 unit homes).
These limits determine the maximum base loan amount you can finance using an FHA-insured mortgage. If your loan amount is higher than the FHA limit for the county where the property is located, you may need a different type of financing (such as a conventional or jumbo loan), or a larger down payment.
Here is a complete list of the FHA loan limits for homes located in Washington State.
Freddie Mac PMMS Shows Mortgage Rates in Tight Range
December 11, 2025 by Leave a Comment
Freddie Mac released the PMMS (Prime Mortgage Market Survey) today showing that mortgage rates for the 30-year fixed averaged 6.22% last week. Really, the best use of Freddie’s survey is to show how mortgage rates are trending because you can’t lock in last week’s rate UNLESS they just happen to be the very same rate as what’s available to you at the moment you’re ready, willing and able to lock. [Read more…]
Breaking News: The Fed Cuts Rates 25 Basis Points
December 10, 2025 by Leave a Comment
The Fed has just announced a rate cut the Fed Funds rate by 25 basis points.
This has been widely anticipated by the markets. Remember, the Fed’s rate cut does NOT directly impact mortgage rates (except for home equity lines of credit and other loans that may be attached to the prime interest rate). [Read more…]
Who Is the Best Mortgage Lender or Loan Officer Near Me?
December 9, 2025 by Leave a Comment
Finding the Best Lender for Your Needs
If you’re buying a home in Seattle, Bellevue, Tacoma, Everett, Kirkland, Redmond, Renton, Issaquah, Bothell, Shoreline, or anywhere in Washington State, you’ve likely typed something like: [Read more…]
Mortgage Rates, FOMC Preview, 2026 VA Loan Limits & Homebuyer Workshop Reminder
December 8, 2025 by Leave a Comment
Welcome to this week’s edition of The Mortgage Porter Weekly, where I break down what’s happening in the mortgage and housing markets and what it means for homebuyers, homeowners, and real estate professionals.
Current Mortgage Rates
2026 VA Loan Limits for Washington State Veterans
December 7, 2025 by Leave a Comment
VA Loan Limits for 2026 for Washington State
VA Loans technically don’t have a “loan limit” the same way that a conforming or FHA loan does. Veterans, who have earned the benefit of having a VA loan are eligible for a zero or low-down payment mortgage. The calculation is based on 2026 conforming-loan limits and the veteran’s entitlement status. [Read more…]
2026 Conforming Loan Limits: What Washington Homebuyers Should Know
December 5, 2025 by Leave a Comment
Low-Down-Payment Programs, Renovation Loans & Down Payment Assistance Options
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