Mortgage Rates Under 6%? Watch This Week’s Mortgage Porter Weekly – Week 2 of 2026

Mortgage rates moved below 6% on 30-year fixed loans, and last week delivered some of the most headline-driven volatility we’ve seen so far in 2026. Between political pressure, economic data, and mortgage bond activity, it’s a market that can change quickly.

In this week’s episode of The Mortgage Porter Weekly, I break down what happened last week, what to watch this week, and what it means for homeowners and homebuyers—especially here in Washington State.

Watch the full video below

What We Cover in This Week’s Video

In Episode 2 of 2026, I walk through the key stories impacting mortgage rates right now:

Housing Policy & Investor Impact

Donald Trump has announced support for limiting corporations buying single-family homes. If enacted, this could reduce investor competition and help buyers—particularly first-time buyers—compete more effectively in markets like Seattle.

BLS Jobs Report & Mortgage Rates

Friday’s employment report from the Bureau of Labor Statistics came in weaker than expected. Softer job growth typically helps mortgage rates, and that’s exactly what we saw as rates improved heading into the weekend.

$200 Billion in Mortgage Bond Purchases

Reports that Trump instructed $200 billion in mortgage bonds to be purchased provided additional support for mortgage-backed securities, helping push 30-year fixed mortgage rates below 6% for well-qualified borrowers.

DOJ & the Federal Reserve

Markets also reacted to headlines involving the Department of Justice and the Federal Reserve Board. Political pressure on the Fed creates uncertainty—and uncertainty leads to rate volatility. Here is Fed Chair Powell’s full statement.

What to Watch This Week: Inflation Data

This week’s video also looks ahead to key inflation reports that could move rates again:

• Consumer Price Index (CPI)
• Producer Price Index (PPI)

Cooling inflation could support lower rates, while higher readings could cause rates to rise quickly. This is why being prepared matters.

Should You Refinance? Watch Before You Decide

If you’re wondering whether you should refinance now or wait, this episode explains how to think strategically rather than emotionally when rates are volatile.

In the video, I also share details about my Mortgage Rate Watch service—designed to help homeowners:

• Set a target rate
• Prepare their refinance application early
• Act quickly when rates improve

Learn more here: https://mortgageporter.com/rate-watch

Buying a Home in 2026? Upcoming Class – January 21

I also share details in the video about my January 21 homebuyer class, where we’ll cover:

• Mortgage programs available in 2026
• Smart strategies for today’s market

Watch the Video & Stay Informed

Mortgage rates are improving, but the market remains highly sensitive to headlines and economic data. If you want to stay informed and make confident mortgage decisions, this week’s episode is a must-watch.

Questions about buying or refinancing your home? Let’s talk!