10 Questions You Should Ask a Loan Officer Before Working with Them

10 Questions to ask a loan officerWhat Questions Should You Ask a Mortgage Loan Officer?

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…]

How a $200B Push Into Mortgage Bonds Could Impact Mortgage Rates — and Home Prices

lower mortgage ratesWhat Lower Mortgage Rates Could Mean for the Greater Seattle Area

Late 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…]

Corporate Homeownership: How WA State Senate Bill 5580 and Trump’s Proposal Could Impact Homebuyers

affordable housing washington stateHousing 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…]

The Mortgage Porter Weekly – Mortgage Rates and More

Episode 1 of 2026: What Moves Mortgage Rates & What to Watch Next

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.

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5 Tips to Know if You Have a Good Mortgage Rate Quote

Is your mortgage rate good 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…]

Getting Started with Homeownership: Watch the First Home Buyer Workshop (REPLAY)

Homebuyer Workshop Rhonda Porter MortgageBuying a home is a big milestone—and for many people, it’s also one of the most confusing financial decisions they’ll ever make. If you’re thinking about buying a home but aren’t sure where to start, you’re not alone.

That’s exactly why I created the Home Buyer Workshop Series, beginning with Getting Started with Homeownership. This first class is designed to give you a clear, practical overview of the home buying process—without pressure, sales tactics, or assumptions about where you are in your journey.


Watch the Getting Started with Homeownership Workshop

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Happy New Year!

sunset in western washington snohomish county [Read more…]

The Mortgage Porter – Mortgage Rates and More for December 29, 2025

Wrapping Up 2025 and Looking Ahead to 2026

Welcome to the final episode of The Mortgage Porter – Mortgage Rates and More for 2025.

As we close out the year, I wanted to take a few minutes to reflect on where mortgage rates have been in 2025, where they appear to be trending, and what industry experts are forecasting for 2026. I also share a few important updates around holiday market closures, upcoming homebuyer education, and what to expect in the new year.
[Read more…]