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…]

Don’t Miss Your Refinance Opportunity: Let Me Watch Mortgage Rates for You

Refi Rate WatchMortgage 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.

What Is Rate Watch?

[Read more…]

Mortgage Rates Under 6%? Watch This Week’s Mortgage Porter Weekly – Week 2 of 2026

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

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Homebuyer Workshop REPLAY: Your Credit and Buying a Home

Homebuyer Workshop Rhonda Porter MortgageIf 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.

Watch the Workshop: Your Credit and Buying a Home

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

10 Questions to ask a loan officerChoosing 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…]