From Prequalified to Offer Accepted: What Homebuyers Need to Know (Workshop Replay)

If you’re thinking about buying a home, there’s a lot that happens between casually getting “prequalified” and having your offer accepted. This workshop replay walks you through that entire early phase of the homebuying process—step by step—so you know what to expect, who’s involved, and how to position yourself as a strong buyer.

Below, you’ll find the replay of my Home Buying Workshop: From Prequalified to Offer Accepted, along with highlights and key takeaways from the class.

👉 Watch the full workshop replay below:

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It’s Fed Day!

Fed Day FOMC rate decisionToday is “Fed Day” when the FOMC wraps up their two-day meeting and announce if there will be any changes to the Fed Funds rate.

Markets are widely expecting that there will be no change to the rate today. This will be announced at 11:00 Seattle time.

Remember, mortgage rates are not directly impacted by the Fed Funds rate (except for home equity lines of credit that follow the prime rate).

Mortgage interest rates do and will react to what the Fed’s actions and statements are today as mortgage rates are based bonds (mortgage-backed securities).

If you would like to have current mortgage rates based on your personal scenario, please contact me – no credit pull required!

 

Remodeling Your Home: Financing Options to Consider for a Major Renovation

remodeling your seattle homeRecently, I spoke with a Seattle homeowner who is planning a major remodel. Like many homeowners, he initially reached out asking about a HELOC — which is often the first option people think of when they want to improve their home. They currently have a very low rate with their existing mortgage, which is one reason why they’re considering a home equity line of credit.

As we talked through his plans, budget, and long-term goals, it became clear that there were several ways to approach financing a remodel, each with very different advantages and limitations.

If you’re considering remodeling your home — whether it’s a kitchen overhaul, an addition, or a full transformation — understanding these options upfront can help you choose the strategy that fits your project best. [Read more…]

Mortgage Porter Weekly: Mortgage Rates, the Fed, and What’s Driving the Market This Week

Mortgage rates continue to be influenced by a combination of economic data, bond market activity, and Federal Reserve messaging. While headlines often focus on whether the Fed is cutting rates, mortgage rates are reacting to a much broader set of factors — especially what’s happening in the bond market.

In this week’s Mortgage Porter Weekly, I’m breaking down what’s moving rates right now and what homebuyers and homeowners should be paying attention to.

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Mortgage Qualifying: Your Income, Job, and Debts: Workshop Replay!

Mortgage Qualifying: Your Income, Job, and Debts Workshop

How lenders determine what you qualify for—and how to prepare

One of the most common questions I hear from home buyers is:
“How do lenders decide how much I qualify for?”

In this workshop replay from my Home Buying Workshop Series, we break down the basics of mortgage qualifying—specifically how lenders review your income, employment, and monthly debts to determine what payment, loan amount, and home price may be realistic for you.

Understanding these basics early can help you avoid surprises, make better decisions, and feel more confident when you’re ready to buy.


Watch the Workshop Replay

This workshop is especially helpful if you: [Read more…]

The Mortgage Porter Weekly: Rates, Tariffs, Remodeling Options & What to Watch Next

In this week’s episode of The Mortgage Porter Weekly, we’re covering several timely topics that are influencing mortgage rates and homeownership decisions right now — from global trade headlines to practical ways homeowners are funding remodels.

If you’re watching rates, thinking about renovating your home, or planning to buy in the near future, here’s a recap of what we discussed.

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Martin Luther King Jr. Day

Martin Luther King JrToday we honor Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and reflect on his enduring message of justice, compassion, and equality.

“Man must evolve for all human conflict a method which rejects revenge, aggression and retaliation. The foundation of such a method is love.”

May we continue striving to lead with understanding, kindness, and respect for one another and lead with love.

How Much Money Do You Need to Buy a Home: Workshop Replay

Homebuyer Workshop Rhonda Porter Mortgage SeattleHow Much Money Do You Need to Buy a Home?

Down payment, closing costs, and real-world ways to make homeownership possible

One of the biggest myths about buying a home is that you “need 20% down.” In reality, many buyers can purchase with far less—and sometimes with little to no out-of-pocket funds, depending on the loan program, down payment assistance options, and whether the seller contributes toward closing costs.

In this workshop replay, I break down the real costs of buying a home, when those costs show up during the transaction, and the most common (and acceptable) ways to source your funds—so you can plan with confidence. [Read more…]