The Mortgage Porter: Mortgage Rates for the Week of November 24, 2025

This week’s episode of The Mortgage Porter reviews current mortgage rates and what may impact rates this short holiday week. Plus, we review recent changes to Fannie Mae’s guidelines that removes the minimum credit score requirement of 620.

If you or anyone you know are thinking about buying or refinancing a home, I am happy to help! Feel free to contact me to review your scenario.

Turned down for a Mortgage Because of Credit Scores? New Guidelines May Help You!

No minimum credit score required for mortgage loanFannie Mae (conventional lending) recently changed their underwriting guidelines to no longer factor in credit scores for underwriting approval!

Before this guideline change, borrowers needed to have a mid-score of at least 620 to qualify for a conventional mortgage. Scores below 620 could mean that someone may have to opt for an FHA mortgage, which has both upfront and monthly mortgage insurance regardless of the amount of down payment or equity with the property. [Read more…]

Your Credit and Buying a Home Workshop: Homebuyers Workshop Series


Our first workshop was a lot of fun, and we covered quite a bit – if you would like access to “Getting Started with Homeownership” please reach out to me. [Read more…]

Trigger Leads BANNED!

Last Friday, something I have been writing about for years finally happened. Trigger leads have been banned!

The bipartisan Homebuyers Privacy Protection Act (H.R. 2808) is now official. The law doesn’t go into effect until March of next year… so unless you protect yourself and opt-out of being harassed by strange loan officers or I mean, loan officers who are strangers, you will still feel very popular after having your credit pulled.

Honestly, even after this goes into effect, I still recommend protecting your credit by following these steps.

Of course, if you’re thinking about buying or refinancing your home, I am happy to help you!

A Win for Borrower Privacy: What the New Trigger Leads Bill Means for You

I’m excited to share some important and timely news that’s poised to make your homebuying experience smoother, less stressful, and more private. If you’re a long time reader of The Mortgage Porter, you know that I have a huge beef with trigger leads with the articles I’ve written. Let me break down the latest developments around the Homebuyers Privacy Protection Act (H.R. 2808)—also known as the “Trigger Leads” bill—and explain exactly what it means for you. [Read more…]

Why and How to Freeze Your Credit

In today’s digital world, protecting your personal and financial information is more important than ever. One of the most effective ways to safeguard yourself against identity theft and fraudulent activity is by freezing your credit. Whether you’re applying for a mortgage, planning a big financial move, or simply want to enhance your financial security, understanding how and why to freeze your credit can be a crucial step.

Why Should You Freeze Your Credit?

[Read more…]

Options for Buying a Starter Home

Buying your first home is such an exciting and important time of your life. It’s a big step in creating financial freedom for your future. First homes are often referred to as a “starter home” as people tend to live in the home for a shorter period of time and use the equity they gain from appreciation and paying down the mortgage towards buying their next home. [Read more…]

Holiday Hangover – Did You Overspend this Season?

Twas the season of spending with American’s splurging over $1100 on gifts this holiday season. Credit card interest rates average around 24% with some department store cards pushing 30%; making it very difficult for some to pay off the debt.

Lendingtree reports that 42% of those who charged holiday gifts regret adding to their debts.

If you’re feeling a bit of a financial hangover from the holidays, you can take some steps to help ease the headache of credit card debts. [Read more…]