Six months ago, I published my 2026 mortgage rate predictions, and if you’d told me back in December that the biggest driver of rates this year would be a war halfway around the world, I would’ve said that’s not usually how this works. But here we are at the midyear mark, and that’s exactly what happened. Let’s recap what actually unfolded in the first half of 2026 and then get into the updated forecasts for the rest of the year. [Read more…]
2026 Mortgage Rate Forecast: Midyear Update
July 1, 2026 by 1 Comment
The Mortgage Porter Weekly Update | Iran Conflict – Fed Week – Appreciation Report
April 27, 2026 by Leave a Comment
It’s Fed Week, the Middle East conflict is driving bond markets, and I’ve got a home appreciation story out of Renton that I think you’ll find pretty compelling. Here’s your weekly mortgage market update for the week of April 27, 2026.
Discount Points vs. Rebate Credit: How Mortgage Rate Pricing Works
April 9, 2026 by 3 Comments
When you get a mortgage rate quote, the interest rate is only part of the picture. Every rate comes with a price — and that price is expressed as either discount points or rebate credit. Understanding how this works gives you real control over your closing costs and monthly payment. [Read more…]
Mortgage Rate History: Putting Today’s Rates in Context
April 2, 2026 by 2 Comments
One of the most common concerns I hear from buyers and homeowners in Washington State is that today’s mortgage rates feel high. And compared to where rates were in 2020 and 2021, they are. But compared to the full history of mortgage rates in the United States, the picture looks quite different.
Understanding where today’s rates sit in historical context is one of the most useful things a buyer or homeowner can know — and it often changes how people think about waiting versus acting. [Read more…]
The Mortgage Porter Weekly – February 2, 2026
February 2, 2026 by Leave a Comment
Even though I’m on the road this week enjoying a little vacation time, I’m still keeping an eye on the mortgage market and the key economic reports that can influence interest rates.
As of January 30, 2026, the **average 30-year fixed conforming mortgage rate is approximately 6.066%. Rates continue to move within a fairly tight range, but this week’s economic data could bring some volatility—especially toward the end of the week.
