Welcome to this week’s Mortgage Porter Weekly update! In this video, I cover last week’s labor market data, where mortgage rates stand according to the Optimal Blue index, the economic reports to watch this week, and a look at where mortgage-backed securities are trading this morning. Plus, this week’s spotlight is for anyone who’s been turned down for a mortgage – don’t give up!
Mortgage Porter Weekly: Cooling Job Market, Rates Slightly Improved, Inflation Data Ahead
August 10, 2026 by Leave a Comment
Retirement, Social Security, Disability, Assets & Other Income: What Counts Toward Your Mortgage
August 6, 2026 by 1 Comment
Not all qualifying income comes from a paycheck. If you’re retired, receiving Social Security or disability benefits, collecting alimony or child support, or drawing income from investments or a trust, that income can often be used to qualify for a mortgage — but each type comes with its own documentation rules and quirks.
This rounds out the income series I’ve been building — if you haven’t seen the others, they cover salary, hourly, and variable income, bonus, overtime, and commission income, RSU and restricted stock income, self-employed and 1099 income, and rental income. This post covers everything else — income you receive independent of currently working. [Read more…]
Condo & HOA Red Flags Before You Buy in Washington State
August 5, 2026 by 1 Comment
Buying a condo or townhome in Washington means you’re not just qualifying for a mortgage — you’re buying into an association’s finances too. This guide walks through what to check before you write an offer, how HOA dues factor into your qualifying ratios (now and later, if you refinance), and how reserve funding, litigation, and special assessments can affect your financing. [Read more…]
The Mortgage Porter Weekly | Fed Holds Rates, Jobs Week & Condo Financing Changes
August 3, 2026 by Leave a Comment
Welcome back to Mortgage Porter Weekly! This week we’re covering the Fed’s decision to hold rates steady, what to expect from Friday’s jobs report, and a big shift in condo financing that takes effect today. Watch the video above, then read on for the details. [Read more…]
Townhome vs. Condo: Which Is Right for You in Washington State?
July 29, 2026 by 1 Comment
This post compares the ownership structures of townhomes and condos in Washington State — what you actually own, what you’re responsible for, and how that affects your monthly costs and financing.
Townhome vs. Condo: What’s the real difference?
“Townhome” and “condo” get used almost interchangeably by buyers, but they’re legal ownership structures, not architectural styles. A building can look like a townhome and still be legally structured as a condominium — and that distinction matters more for your wallet than the floor plan does. [Read more…]
