The Mortgage Porter Weekly – Mortgage Rates and More

January 5, 2026 by Leave a Comment

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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Filed Under: Interest Rates, Politics, Video Tagged With: , , , ,

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

December 29, 2025 by Leave a Comment

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.
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Filed Under: Interest Rates, Video Tagged With: , ,

Mortgage Rate Predictions for 2026: What Washington Homebuyers & Homeowners Should Know

December 28, 2025 by Leave a Comment

Mortgage Rate Forecast for 2026Mortgage 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…]

Filed Under: Interest Rates, Opinion Tagged With: , , ,

How Do I Compare Mortgage Lenders or Loan Officers?

December 16, 2025 by Leave a Comment

How to Compare Mortgage LendersHow Do I Compare Mortgage Lenders or Loan Officers?

Choosing the right mortgage lender or loan officer is one of the most important decisions you’ll make during the homebuying or refinancing process. While interest rates matter, the right professional can save you stress, time, and even thousands of dollars in the long run.

Many buyers now turn to AI tools—like ChatGPT or Google Gemini—to help compare mortgage options. But whether you’re using AI or doing your own research, here are the five most important factors to consider when comparing lenders or loan officers. [Read more…]

Filed Under: Refinance, Residential Purchase Tagged With: , , , ,

Working with a Local Lender vs. an Online Lender for your Mortgage

December 12, 2025 by Leave a Comment

Drunk Racoon has regrets using an online lender for his mortgageLast week I had fun creating a spoof where I’m consoling a drunk racoon, Rocky. Rocky has the blues because he decided to chase a low rate with an online lender and now his home purchase transaction is on a rocky road. All joking aside, I actually have saved several purchases where clients who first opted for an online lender with a slightly lower rate discovered that the loan officer and their lender could not close their transaction. It’s easy to promise a low mortgage rate but that low rate doesn’t matter at all if your transaction doesn’t close. [Read more…]

Filed Under: Just for Fun, Residential Purchase Tagged With: , , , , , ,

Freddie Mac PMMS Shows Mortgage Rates in Tight Range

December 11, 2025 by Leave a Comment

Freddie Mac released the PMMS (Prime Mortgage Market Survey) today showing that mortgage rates for the 30-year fixed averaged 6.22% last week.  Really, the best use of Freddie’s survey is to show how mortgage rates are trending because you can’t lock in last week’s rate UNLESS they just happen to be the very same rate as what’s available to you at the moment you’re ready, willing and able to lock. [Read more…]

Filed Under: Interest Rates Tagged With: ,

The Mortgage Porter: Mortgage Rates for the Week of November 24, 2025

November 24, 2025 by Leave a Comment

This week’s episode of The Mortgage Porter reviews current mortgage rates and what may impact rates this short holiday week. Plus, we review recent changes to Fannie Mae’s guidelines that removes the minimum credit score requirement of 620.

If you or anyone you know are thinking about buying or refinancing a home, I am happy to help! Feel free to contact me to review your scenario.

Filed Under: Credit Scores and Reporting, Interest Rates, Video Tagged With: , , ,

Fed Drops Funds Rate a Quarter Point

October 29, 2025 by Leave a Comment

The Fed cut rates to the Funds Rate by 25 basis points today, as expected. Although the Fed Funds rate is lower, mortgage rates are actually moving higher as I’m writing this. Mortgage rates are NOT controlled by the Fed.

Mortgage-backed securities are down about 32 basis points.

 

Filed Under: Interest Rates, The Fed - FOMC Tagged With: ,
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