Mortgage Programs for Homebuyers – Workshop Replay

February 20, 2026 by Leave a Comment

Mortgage Programs for Homebuyers

Understanding your options and choosing the right loan for your goals

When people hear the term mortgage programs, they often assume there’s a single “best” loan—or that qualifying automatically means one fixed option.

In reality, mortgage programs are simply different rule books. Each program has its own guidelines around down payment, credit flexibility, mortgage insurance, and how competitive your offer looks to a seller.

In this workshop replay from my Home Buyer Workshop Series, I walk through the most common mortgage programs available to homebuyers—especially first-time buyers—and explain how loan choice can be used strategically to create affordability and strengthen your offer.

Watch the Workshop Replay

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I Bought My Home with a 6.75% Rate – Should I Refinance Now?

February 19, 2026 by Leave a Comment

Should I refinance now Mortgage Porter If you bought your home in the past few years and your interest rate starts with a 6… or maybe even a 7… you’re not alone.

One of the most common questions I’m hearing right now is:

“I bought my home at 6.75%. Should I refinance?”

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What is a Mortgage Recast or Reamortization?

February 18, 2026 by Leave a Comment

what is a mortgage recast or reamortizationWhat Is a Mortgage Recast?

If you’ve ever made a large lump-sum payment toward your mortgage — or thought about doing so — you may have heard the terms “mortgage recast” or “reamortization.”

A recast can be a powerful (and often misunderstood) option for homeowners who want a lower monthly payment without refinancing.

Let’s break down what a recast is, how it works, and when it may (or may not) make sense. [Read more…]

Filed Under: Misc., Mortgage, Uncategorized Tagged With: , ,

The Mortgage Porter Weekly Update – Mortgage Rates Below 6%

February 17, 2026 by Leave a Comment

bowline hotel astoria oregon mortgage porter

Good morning from Astoria, Oregon.

I’m writing this from our room at the Bowline Hotel, with a herd (pod? committee?) of very committed resident sea lions barking below our window. If you’ve stayed here, you know exactly what I mean.

This is where our road trip began—and where it’s ending.

We left from Astoria headed south toward sunshine and desert skies, spending time in Palm Desert and standing in awe at the Grand Canyon. After taking in so much beauty, we decided to come full circle and return to where we started.

There’s something meaningful about that. [Read more…]

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Presidents Day Reflections

February 16, 2026 by Leave a Comment

Presidents Day Today, as we celebrate Presidents Day, I’ve been thinking about a leader who shaped so much of what we’re able to enjoy today — especially when we’re out on the open road.

Theodore Roosevelt wasn’t just a president — he was a conservationist who believed deeply in protecting America’s natural beauty for future generations.

One of my favorite quotes from him:

“There can be nothing in the world more beautiful than the Yosemite, the groves of the giant sequoias and redwoods, the Canyon of the Colorado, the Canyon of the Yellowstone.”

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Using a Reverse Mortgage for Home Improvements

February 11, 2026 by Leave a Comment

reverse mortgage aging in placeUsing a Reverse Mortgage to Improve Your Home and Age in Place.

For many homeowners, the goal isn’t to move — it’s to stay.

I often speak with homeowners who love their neighborhood, their community, and their home, but realize that the house itself may need updates to support the next phase of life. Whether that means improving accessibility, upgrading systems, or making the home more comfortable and efficient, remodeling can play a key role in aging in place.

For homeowners 62 and older, a reverse mortgage can be a valuable option to help fund those improvements. [Read more…]

Filed Under: Refinance, Remodel, Renovation Mortgage, Reverse Mortgage Tagged With: , , ,

The Mortgage Porter Weekly – Mortgage Rates for the Week of February 9, 2026

February 9, 2026 by Leave a Comment

Mortgage rates moved a bit higher last week. As of Friday, February 6, 2026, the average 30-year fixed conforming rate was 6.083% per Optimal Blue. Optimal Blue’s mortage rate index is based on an average from rates that were locked by lenders who utilize OB. We don’t know what the factors are for pricing the rates and these rates are from Friday so they are expired. For current mortgage rates based on your personal scenario, please contact me. 

mortgage rates february 2026
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Bank Statement Loans for Business Owners

February 5, 2026 by Leave a Comment

Bank Statement Loans for Self Employed Bank Statement Loans for Self-Employed Borrowers

A Mortgage Option Designed Around Cash Flow — Not Tax Returns

If you’re self-employed, a business owner, or an independent contractor, qualifying for a mortgage can feel frustrating. You may have strong cash flow and consistent deposits, yet your tax returns don’t always reflect your true earning power.

That’s where bank statement loans come in.

A bank statement loan is a Non-QM (Non-Qualified Mortgage) program designed specifically for self-employed borrowers. Instead of using tax returns, this program allows borrowers to qualify based on actual deposits shown on personal or business bank statements, providing a more realistic picture of income. [Read more…]

Filed Under: Jumbo/Non-Conforming, Mortgage Programs, Self-Employed Tagged With: , ,
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