Welcome back to Mortgage Porter Weekly!

After an amazing three-week road trip down to California, the Grand Canyon, and back home to Seattle, I’m officially back in the office and watching the markets closely. And what a week to return — we’re seeing something we haven’t consistently seen in a while…

30-year conforming mortgage rates are trending lower!

That’s getting attention.

Are Tariff Rulings Affecting Mortgage Rates?

One of the big questions I’ve been asked this week:

Is the recent U.S. Supreme Court ruling against former President Trump’s tariffs impacting mortgage rates?

Mortgage rates aren’t directly tied to political headlines — but financial markets absolutely react to uncertainty and shifts in economic policy.

Trade policy can influence:

• Inflation expectations
• Global market stability
• Investor behavior
• Bond market demand

Mortgage rates are heavily influenced by mortgage-backed securities and the bond market. When investors move toward bonds for safety, yields can improve — and that can help mortgage rates move lower.

We’ve seen bond market volatility recently, and that may be contributing to the improvement in rates.

Where Are Mortgage Rates Right Now?

According to Optimal Blue, 30-year conforming mortgage rates averaged just under 6% as of last week.

A few important reminders:

• These are averages based on lenders who use the Optimal Blue platform.
• We don’t know what pricing assumptions were included.
• These rates are already expired.
• Mortgage rates change constantly — sometimes multiple times per day.
• Your credit score, down payment, property type, loan size, and overall scenario matter.

If you’d like current pricing tailored to you, please reach out.

Economic Data We’re Watching This Week

The big report on our radar this week:

Producer Price Index (PPI)

PPI measures wholesale inflation — what producers are paying before goods reach consumers.

Why does that matter?

Inflation is still the primary driver of mortgage rates. If inflation shows signs of cooling, rates can improve. If inflation heats back up, rates may respond upward.

Markets are very sensitive to inflation data right now.

In the Spotlight: Alternative Documentation Loans for Self-Employed Borrowers

This week I’m also highlighting a program that’s especially important here in Washington State — alternative documentation loans for self-employed borrowers.

Many business owners, 1099 earners, and entrepreneurs write off significant expenses on their tax returns. While that’s smart tax planning, it can make qualifying for a traditional mortgage more challenging.

Mortgage options may include:

• Bank statement loans
• 1099s
• Profit & loss only programs
• Other non-QM documentation solutions

These programs allow income qualification based on cash flow rather than just taxable income.

If you’re self-employed and have assumed you “can’t qualify,” let’s talk. There are more options available than many people realize.

My Take

Rates under 6% are psychologically important. We’re seeing more conversations start again — especially from buyers who paused and homeowners who are evaluating whether refinancing could make sense.

The key is staying informed and having a strategy, not reacting emotionally to headlines.

If you’re thinking about:

• Buying your first home
• Moving up
• Refinancing
• Exploring options as a self-employed borrower

I’m here to help you review your scenario and create a plan.

Thank you so much for following Mortgage Porter Weekly and for allowing me to be your resource here in Seattle and across Washington State.