Presidents Day Reflections

February 16, 2026 by Leave a Comment

Presidents Day Today, as we celebrate Presidents Day, I’ve been thinking about a leader who shaped so much of what we’re able to enjoy today — especially when we’re out on the open road.

Theodore Roosevelt wasn’t just a president — he was a conservationist who believed deeply in protecting America’s natural beauty for future generations.

One of my favorite quotes from him:

“There can be nothing in the world more beautiful than the Yosemite, the groves of the giant sequoias and redwoods, the Canyon of the Colorado, the Canyon of the Yellowstone.”

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Using a Reverse Mortgage for Home Improvements

February 11, 2026 by Leave a Comment

reverse mortgage aging in placeUsing a Reverse Mortgage to Improve Your Home and Age in Place.

For many homeowners, the goal isn’t to move — it’s to stay.

I often speak with homeowners who love their neighborhood, their community, and their home, but realize that the house itself may need updates to support the next phase of life. Whether that means improving accessibility, upgrading systems, or making the home more comfortable and efficient, remodeling can play a key role in aging in place.

For homeowners 62 and older, a reverse mortgage can be a valuable option to help fund those improvements. [Read more…]

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The Mortgage Porter Weekly – Mortgage Rates for the Week of February 9, 2026

February 9, 2026 by Leave a Comment

Mortgage rates moved a bit higher last week. As of Friday, February 6, 2026, the average 30-year fixed conforming rate was 6.083% per Optimal Blue. Optimal Blue’s mortage rate index is based on an average from rates that were locked by lenders who utilize OB. We don’t know what the factors are for pricing the rates and these rates are from Friday so they are expired. For current mortgage rates based on your personal scenario, please contact me. 

mortgage rates february 2026
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Bank Statement Loans for Business Owners

February 5, 2026 by Leave a Comment

Bank Statement Loans for Self Employed Bank Statement Loans for Self-Employed Borrowers

A Mortgage Option Designed Around Cash Flow — Not Tax Returns

If you’re self-employed, a business owner, or an independent contractor, qualifying for a mortgage can feel frustrating. You may have strong cash flow and consistent deposits, yet your tax returns don’t always reflect your true earning power.

That’s where bank statement loans come in.

A bank statement loan is a Non-QM (Non-Qualified Mortgage) program designed specifically for self-employed borrowers. Instead of using tax returns, this program allows borrowers to qualify based on actual deposits shown on personal or business bank statements, providing a more realistic picture of income. [Read more…]

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The Mortgage Porter Weekly – February 2, 2026

February 2, 2026 by Leave a Comment

Even though I’m on the road this week enjoying a little vacation time, I’m still keeping an eye on the mortgage market and the key economic reports that can influence interest rates.

As of January 30, 2026, the **average 30-year fixed conforming mortgage rate is approximately 6.066%. Rates continue to move within a fairly tight range, but this week’s economic data could bring some volatility—especially toward the end of the week.

mortgage rates for february 2026

What the Market Is Watching This Week

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From Prequalified to Offer Accepted: What Homebuyers Need to Know (Workshop Replay)

January 31, 2026 by Leave a Comment

If you’re thinking about buying a home, there’s a lot that happens between casually getting “prequalified” and having your offer accepted. This workshop replay walks you through that entire early phase of the homebuying process—step by step—so you know what to expect, who’s involved, and how to position yourself as a strong buyer.

Below, you’ll find the replay of my Home Buying Workshop: From Prequalified to Offer Accepted, along with highlights and key takeaways from the class.

👉 Watch the full workshop replay below:

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It’s Fed Day!

January 28, 2026 by Leave a Comment

Fed Day FOMC rate decisionToday is “Fed Day” when the FOMC wraps up their two-day meeting and announce if there will be any changes to the Fed Funds rate.

Markets are widely expecting that there will be no change to the rate today. This will be announced at 11:00 Seattle time.

Remember, mortgage rates are not directly impacted by the Fed Funds rate (except for home equity lines of credit that follow the prime rate).

Mortgage interest rates do and will react to what the Fed’s actions and statements are today as mortgage rates are based bonds (mortgage-backed securities).

If you would like to have current mortgage rates based on your personal scenario, please contact me – no credit pull required!

 

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First-Time Home Buyer Programs: Your Guide to Buying a Home in Washington State

January 27, 2026 by Leave a Comment

first time homebuyer programs in washington state First-Time Home Buyer Programs: Your Guide to Buying a Home in Washington State

Buying your first home can feel overwhelming—especially in a competitive market like Washington State. Between rising home prices, headlines about interest rates, and confusing mortgage terms, many first-time buyers wonder: Is homeownership even possible right now?

The good news? There are several first-time home buyer programs designed to make buying a home more accessible and affordable—often with low down payments, flexible credit guidelines, and even down payment assistance.

As a mortgage advisor with over 25 years of experience helping first-time buyers, I’m here to break down the most common programs, how they work, and how to decide which one may be right for you. [Read more…]

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