Welcome back to Mortgage Porter Weekly! This week we’re covering last week’s Fed and housing headlines, where mortgage rates stand, a packed economic calendar, and a spotlight on home equity lines of credit. Watch the video above, then read on for the details. [Read more…]
Mortgage Rates This Week: The Fed, the War, Jobs Week & HELOC Options
September 28, 2026 by Leave a Comment
Strategies for Buying a Home in a Higher-Rate Market
September 24, 2026 by 1 Comment
With rates sitting well above where they were a couple years ago, a lot of buyers are focused entirely on when rates might come down. But there’s a more immediate lever worth paying attention to: sellers are more willing to negotiate right now than they have been in years. Homes are sitting longer, fewer buyers are competing for each listing, and sellers know it. That shift in leverage is worth using — and how you use it matters more than most buyers realize. [Read more…]
Mortgage Rates This Week: Fed Raises Rates, Strategies for Buyers & Sellers
September 21, 2026 by Leave a Comment
As widely expected, the Federal Reserve raised its benchmark Federal Funds Rate by 25 basis points last week making it the first rate hike in three years. This week’s update covers what that means for mortgage rates, where things stand heading into the next FOMC meeting, and a strategy worth considering if you’re buying or selling in today’s market. [Read more…]
Home Appraisals Are Changing Starting November 2026
September 18, 2026 by Leave a Comment
If you’re buying, selling, or refinancing in Washington this fall or winter, there’s a behind‑the‑scenes change worth knowing about: starting November 2, 2026, Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac are requiring a completely redesigned appraisal report for conventional loans. It’s the biggest change to how appraisals are documented in decades—though, importantly, it doesn’t change how your home’s value is determined. [Read more…]
Buying a House with Debt: What You Need to Know
September 17, 2026 by Leave a Comment
Almost every buyer I work with has some kind of debt whether it’s car payments, student loans, credit cards or installment loans. Carrying debt doesn’t automatically rule out homeownership, but it does shape what you qualify for and how much cushion you’ll have once the mortgage payment is added on top. Here’s what actually matters. [Read more…]
