I’ve spent more than 25 years helping Washington state homebuyers and homeowners navigate one of the biggest financial decisions of their lives. My job isn’t just to find you a loan – it’s to make sure you understand it, feel confident of your choice, and never feel pressured or rushed.
I’m Rhonda Porter, a licensed Mortgage Advisor (NMLS #121324) based in West Seattle, serving clients across Seattle, Bellevue, Tacoma and all of Washington state. I work with New American Funding (NMLS #6606), which gives me access to a wide range of products while still providing the personalized, boutique-style service my clients have always relied on.
I started writing The Mortgage Porter in November 2006 – after watching a new report get the facts about mortgage licensing completely wrong and deciding that someone needed to set the record straight. That impulse – to educate, clarify, and advocate for consumers – has been the backbone of this blog ever since.
The Person Behind the Blog
Before credentials and career history, here’s what you’d learn if we sat down for dinner together.
- I love to cook – and fully embrace making a mess of my kitchen. Pairing win with whatever I’m making is non-negotiable. (I also write about food and wine at Sip-n-Simmer, though I’ll admit it’s a bit neglected these days).
- I enjoy creating art – I paint acrylics on canvas, panels and black velvet. One of my velvet paintings was exhibited at Seattle’s Bumbershoot festival in 2012. I’ve also shown at the Puyallup Art Walk and Fauntleroy Fine Art and Crafts Show as well as a couple of West Seattle Art Walks. You can see my paintings at rhondaporter.art.
- I enjoy time in my garden even though I don’t have the greenest thumb.
- I’m a big Seahawks and the Seattle Mariners fan! I confess – I prefer to watch at home because then I can cook up some tasty snacks to compliment our wins!
- I sail with my hubby around Puget Sound and the San Juans, for the most part. I’ve been as far north as the Broughton Islands.
- I explore Seattle and our beautiful Pacific Northwest – check out my Sunday Drive neighborhood tours for a taste of our neighborhoods across our wonderful Washington state.
- Family first – always. My husband and I have three terrific adult kids who are on their own.
- I’m a Cat Person AND a Dog Person! We are currently without pets at the moment after recently losing ou sweet dog and cat. We’re taking a little time off from having furry kids. We’re super lucky to have great neighbors who have dogs that visit us all the time.
- And I’m a proud JP Patches Pal. RIP JP. ❤️
I mention all of this because mortgages are personal. They’re tied to life decisions, family goals, and financial futures. I want you to work with somebody who treats you like a real person and not a transaction.
My Background
My career in real estate in 1986 in the title and escrow industry. That foundation gave me something most loan officers don’t have: a deep understanding of the entire transaction from the preapproval process to the closing table – and why every detail matters for the client.
I moved to mortgage lending on April 1, 2000, joining my in-laws at their family-owned company, Mortgage Master Service Corporation (NMLS#40445), which had been serving Puget Sound homeowners since 1976. After more than two decades there, Mortgage Master wound down in 2022.
On October 31, 2022, I joined New American Funding (NMLS #6606) – a move that let me keep my boutique, relationship-first approach while gaining access to a broader range of loan products and technology.
What I Specialize In
I work with a wide range of borrowers and loan types, including:
- First-time homebuyers – patient guidance from the very beginning, in plain English. It’s okay if you’re not planning on buying for months or a couple of years, I’m happy to talk with you and help answer questions.
- People buying their next home – whether you’re moving up or downsizing, we have bridge loans and other contingency strategies to help with the timing of your purchase and sale.
- Refinancing – rate/term, cash-out (for debt restructuring, home improvements or any reason) based on real numbers. We can compare your current mortgage side-by-side with possible new scenarios for your home financing needs.
- FHA, VA, and USDA loans – government programs that open doors for more buyers.
- Jumbo and non-conforming loans – for higher priced homes across the Puget Sound Region.
- Self-employed borrowers – bank statement and alternative documentation programs.
- Renovation mortgages – buy a fixer-upper or remodel your current home with one loan.
- Investment property – financing strategies for building your real estate portfolio.
My approach
Transparency first: I’ll always show you the real numbers – not just the ones that sound good.
Education over sales: An informed borrower makes a better decision. I’d rather spend extra time explaining than you sign something you don’t understand.
No pressure, ever: Whether you’re ready now or 6 months from now, I’m happy to help you plan. On that note, if you have to close fast – I can probably help you too!
Long-term relationships: Many of my clients have worked with me through multiple purchases and refinances over the years and have referred me their friends and family. That’s the relationship I aim for.
Proactive communication: I keep you informed at every step – no surprises at closing!
Media, Recognition & Awards
Over the years, The Mortgage Porter has been recognized as one of the leading consumer mortgage resources in the country, and I’ve had the opportunity to share my perspective with some of the biggest names in journalism and real estate:
- Quoted and interviewed by: Seattle PI, Seattle Times, Associated Press, NPR, Wall Street Journal’s MarketWatch, New York Times, Trulia, Inman News, and Seattle Metropolitan Magazine
- Named one of Real Estate’s Top 50 Most Influential Online — Inman News (2009)
- Seattle’s Best Mortgage Broker on Twitter — Seattle Weekly (2009)
- WAMP Jim Fitzgerald Distinguished Service Award — Washington Association of Mortgage Professionals (2009)
- WAMP Leadership Award Outstanding Loan Originator (2014) and Finalist — four consecutive years
- Top 25 Most Connected Mortgage Professionals — National Mortgage Professional, three consecutive years
- Top 12 Women Real Estate Bloggers — Sellsius (2007)
- 2007 Magnificent 7 Consumer Articles — multiple posts recognized
- Speaker at the 2011 and 2012 Mortgage Tech Summit
- Panelist at the Lusk Center for Real Estate at USC (mortgage origination)
- Panelist at RE Blogworld, Seattle Raincamp, and Seattle King County Association of Realtors on social media
- Art exhibited at Seattle’s Bumbershoot Festival (2012)
I’ve also taught mortgage and real estate professionals how to build trust through transparency and social media — because I believe the industry is better when advisors communicate openly.
Credentials
- Licensed Mortgage Originator – Washington State NMLS# MLO-121324
- 25+ Years of mortgage lending experience (in real estate since 1986).
- Author of The Mortgage Porter blog since November 2006
- Awards and Press coverage
- Verified reviews on Experience, Google, Yelp and Redfin – also shared on Mortgage Success Stories.
Work with Me
If you’re ready to take the next step toward buying or refinancing a home in Washington state, I’d love to help. Even if your plans are months away, it’s never too early to start a conversation and plan for your future.
Ways to Connect:
Get a rate quote: No obligation, no pressure and no credit pull required – just real numbers for your situation.
Schedule a Discovery Call: Let’s review your financial goals so that I can better help you with your mortgage, so it fits your future goals.
Get preapproved: Ready to start your home search? Let’s get you preapproved!
Ask me a question: Not sure where to start? Send me a message.
