Getting Started with Homeownership: Watch the First Home Buyer Workshop (REPLAY)

Homebuyer Workshop Rhonda Porter MortgageBuying a home is a big milestone—and for many people, it’s also one of the most confusing financial decisions they’ll ever make. If you’re thinking about buying a home but aren’t sure where to start, you’re not alone.

That’s exactly why I created the Home Buyer Workshop Series, beginning with Getting Started with Homeownership. This first class is designed to give you a clear, practical overview of the home buying process—without pressure, sales tactics, or assumptions about where you are in your journey.


Watch the Getting Started with Homeownership Workshop

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Happy New Year!

sunset in western washington snohomish county [Read more…]

The Mortgage Porter – Mortgage Rates and More for December 29, 2025

Wrapping Up 2025 and Looking Ahead to 2026

Welcome to the final episode of The Mortgage Porter – Mortgage Rates and More for 2025.

As we close out the year, I wanted to take a few minutes to reflect on where mortgage rates have been in 2025, where they appear to be trending, and what industry experts are forecasting for 2026. I also share a few important updates around holiday market closures, upcoming homebuyer education, and what to expect in the new year.
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Mortgage Rate Predictions for 2026: What Washington Homebuyers & Homeowners Should Know

Mortgage Rate Forecast for 2026Mortgage rates continue to be one of the most talked-about topics for homebuyers and homeowners across Washington State. Whether you’re hoping to buy your first home, move up, or refinance, it’s natural to wonder: where are mortgage rates headed in 2026?

While no forecast is guaranteed, several respected housing and mortgage organizations regularly publish outlooks that can help set realistic expectations. Below is a Washington-focused look at what groups like the Mortgage Bankers Association, Freddie Mac, Fannie Mae, and Zillow are projecting — and what it could mean for buyers and homeowners here in the Pacific Northwest. [Read more…]

Homebuyer Workshop: Mortgage Programs and Strategies for First-Time Homebuyers

mortgage programs and strategies homebuyer workshopHow to Create Affordability and Get Your Offer Accepted

Buying your first home can feel overwhelming — especially when you start hearing about interest rates, down payments, competing offers, and loan programs with unfamiliar names. The good news? There are many mortgage options and strategies designed specifically to help first-time home buyers succeed, even in competitive markets.

In our upcoming Home Buyer Workshop, we’ll be breaking down mortgage programs and practical strategies that help buyers create affordability and write strong, winning offers. Here’s a preview of what we’ll cover. [Read more…]

Happy Holidays and Merry Christmas from The Mortgage Porter

Christmas tree Mortgage Porter Seattle home

As the year comes to a close, I want to take a moment to wish you and your loved ones a very Merry Christmas and a joyful holiday season.

This time of year is a reminder to slow down, reflect, and appreciate what matters most — home, family, friends, and the sense of comfort and security that comes from having a place to call your own. [Read more…]

Mortgage Rate Update for the Week of December 22, 2025

It’s a BIG holiday week and I am postponing this week’s episode of the Mortgage Porter Mortgage Rate Update until next Monday.

Mortgage rates are still in a fairly tight range as you can see from Optimal Blues Mortgage Market Index which is based on mortgage rates that were locked on December 19,2025 by lenders who use Optimal Blue for their pricing/locking platform. [Read more…]

Renovation Mortgages: Turning “Fixer-Uppers” Into Your Dream Home

Renovation Home Loan Mortgage Inspired by my new gingerbread house renovation video!

Every home has a story — and sometimes that story includes a little frosting falling off the roof.

In my new Sora-generated video, you’ll see a fun twist: my animated character repairing a gingerbread house as though it were a real remodel. It’s a playful way to highlight a very real mortgage option many homebuyers and homeowners don’t realize exists: renovation loans. [Read more…]