Helping Washington State homeowners learn more about their mortgage options.
Mortgage rates have been moving fast and unpredictably. One day they’re up, the next day they dip just enough to make refinancing worthwhile—but only if you’re ready to act. For many homeowners, the challenge isn’t wanting to refinance, it’s knowing exactly when to move.
That’s why I created my Rate Watch program.
Mortgage rates moved below 6% on 30-year fixed loans, and last week delivered some of the most headline-driven volatility we’ve seen so far in 2026. Between political pressure, economic data, and mortgage bond activity, it’s a market that can change quickly.
In this week’s episode of The Mortgage Porter Weekly, I break down what happened last week, what to watch this week, and what it means for homeowners and homebuyers—especially here in Washington State.
Watch the full video below
If you’re thinking about buying a home, your credit is one of the first places most lenders will look—and it can have a bigger impact than many people realize. Credit doesn’t just affect whether you qualify. It can influence your interest rate, monthly payment, insurance premiums, and even how much home you can afford.
In this second workshop in my Home Buyer Workshop Series, we focus on how credit works in the mortgage process, what impacts your score the most, and the common “common sense” actions that can accidentally hurt your credit when you’re preparing to buy.
Choosing a loan officer is one of the most important decisions you’ll make when buying or refinancing a home. In markets like Seattle, Bellevue, Kirkland, Redmond, Tacoma, and throughout Washington State, the right mortgage professional can help your loan close smoothly—and the wrong one can cause delays, stress, or even cost you the home.
Before committing to a lender, here are 10 essential questions you should ask any loan officer to make sure they’re the right fit for you.
As you prepare, consider these 10 questions for a loan officer to ensure you’re making an informed decision. [Read more…]
What Lower Mortgage Rates Could Mean for the Greater Seattle AreaLate yesterday afternoon, Trump posted on social media that he was instructing Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac to significantly increase their purchases of mortgage-backed securities (MBS), with figures being discussed as high as $200 billion.
While details and timing always matter, it’s important to understand how this type of action works, how it can influence mortgage rates nationally, and why the impact can be amplified here in the Greater Seattle housing market. [Read more…]
Housing affordability continues to be one of the biggest concerns for homebuyers across Seattle, King County, and the greater Puget Sound region. As prices remain high and inventory tight, both state and national leaders are focusing more attention on the role corporations and large investors play in the housing market.
Two recent developments highlight this growing focus: Washington State Senate Bill 5580 and a national proposal announced by Donald Trump via Truth Social last night.
While these efforts take very different approaches, they reflect a shared concern about how large-scale investors may be affecting access to homeownership. [Read more…]
Welcome to the first episode of The Mortgage Porter – Mortgage Rates and More for 2026.
As we begin the new year, this week’s update focuses on one of the most common — and important — questions for homebuyers and homeowners alike: what causes mortgage interest rates to move.
I also share where mortgage rates are currently sitting, how they’re trending, which upcoming economic reports can move the market, and important updates on homebuyer education for the weeks ahead.
When you’re buying a home or refinancing in Seattle, Bellevue, Kirkland, Redmond, Tacoma, or anywhere in Washington State, receiving a mortgage quote can feel both exciting and overwhelming. It’s tempting to focus on the interest rate alone—but a truly good mortgage rate quote is about much more than one number.
Here are five key tips to help homebuyers and homeowners determine whether a mortgage quote is genuinely good—or just looks good at first glance. [Read more…]
Rhonda Porter is a Licensed Mortgage Originator MLO121324 living in the greater Seattle area. Rhonda began her career in 1986 in the title and escrow industry and began her mortgage career in 2000. She enjoys helping people understand the mortgage process and started writing The Mortgage Porter in late 2006. Read More…
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