Helping Washington State homeowners learn more about their mortgage options.
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…]
Buying 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.
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…]
Mortgage rates continue to be one of the most talked-about topics for homebuyers and homeowners across Washington State. Whether you’re hoping to buy your first home, move up, or refinance, it’s natural to wonder: where are mortgage rates headed in 2026?
While no forecast is guaranteed, several respected housing and mortgage organizations regularly publish outlooks that can help set realistic expectations. Below is a Washington-focused look at what groups like the Mortgage Bankers Association, Freddie Mac, Fannie Mae, and Zillow are projecting — and what it could mean for buyers and homeowners here in the Pacific Northwest. [Read more…]
How to Create Affordability and Get Your Offer Accepted
Buying your first home can feel overwhelming — especially when you start hearing about interest rates, down payments, competing offers, and loan programs with unfamiliar names. The good news? There are many mortgage options and strategies designed specifically to help first-time home buyers succeed, even in competitive markets.
In our upcoming Home Buyer Workshop, we’ll be breaking down mortgage programs and practical strategies that help buyers create affordability and write strong, winning offers. Here’s a preview of what we’ll cover. [Read more…]
As the year comes to a close, I want to take a moment to wish you and your loved ones a very Merry Christmas and a joyful holiday season.
This time of year is a reminder to slow down, reflect, and appreciate what matters most — home, family, friends, and the sense of comfort and security that comes from having a place to call your own. [Read more…]
It’s a BIG holiday week and I am postponing this week’s episode of the Mortgage Porter Mortgage Rate Update until next Monday.
Mortgage rates are still in a fairly tight range as you can see from Optimal Blues Mortgage Market Index which is based on mortgage rates that were locked on December 19,2025 by lenders who use Optimal Blue for their pricing/locking platform. [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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