Buying a home is one of the most important financial decisions you’ll ever make — and understanding the mortgage process is key to making confident, informed choices.

In this section, you’ll find educational resources designed to help you navigate every step of the home buying journey. Whether you’re a first-time homebuyer, moving up to your next home, purchasing an investment property, or exploring options for a second home, these articles break down complex mortgage concepts into clear, practical guidance.

Topics include:

  • Getting pre-approved
  • Understanding credit and qualifying
  • Down payment assistance programs
  • Closing costs and escrow
  • Appraisals and underwriting
  • The mortgage process from offer to keys

My goal is to help you understand not just how to qualify — but how to structure your financing strategically so it supports your long-term financial goals.

If you’re buying a home in Washington State (or anywhere in the U.S.), and you want thoughtful guidance instead of pressure, this is a great place to start.

How Much Money Do You Need to Buy a Home: Workshop Replay

Homebuyer Workshop Rhonda Porter Mortgage SeattleHow Much Money Do You Need to Buy a Home?

Down payment, closing costs, and real-world ways to make homeownership possible

One of the biggest myths about buying a home is that you “need 20% down.” In reality, many buyers can purchase with far less—and sometimes with little to no out-of-pocket funds, depending on the loan program, down payment assistance options, and whether the seller contributes toward closing costs.

In this workshop replay, I break down the real costs of buying a home, when those costs show up during the transaction, and the most common (and acceptable) ways to source your funds—so you can plan with confidence. [Read more…]

Homebuyer Workshop REPLAY: Your Credit and Buying a Home

If you’re thinking about buying a home, your credit is one of the first places most lenders will look—and it can have a bigger impact than many people realize. Credit doesn’t just affect whether you qualify. It can influence your interest rate, monthly payment, insurance premiums, and even how much home you can afford.

In this second workshop in my Home Buyer Workshop Series, we focus on how credit works in the mortgage process, what impacts your score the most, and the common “common sense” actions that can accidentally hurt your credit when you’re preparing to buy.

Watch the Workshop: Your Credit and Buying a Home

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10 Questions You Should Ask a Loan Officer Before Working with Them

10 Questions to ask a loan officerChoosing a loan officer is one of the most important decisions you’ll make when buying or refinancing a home. In markets like Seattle, Bellevue, Kirkland, Redmond, Tacoma, and throughout Washington State, the right mortgage professional can help your loan close smoothly—and the wrong one can cause delays, stress, or even cost you the home.

Before committing to a lender, here are 10 essential questions you should ask any loan officer to make sure they’re the right fit for you.

As you prepare, consider these 10 questions for a loan officer to ensure you’re making an informed decision. [Read more…]

Corporate Homeownership: How WA State Senate Bill 5580 and Trump’s Proposal Could Impact Homebuyers

affordable housing washington stateHousing affordability continues to be one of the biggest concerns for homebuyers across Seattle, King County, and the greater Puget Sound region. As prices remain high and inventory tight, both state and national leaders are focusing more attention on the role corporations and large investors play in the housing market.

Two recent developments highlight this growing focus: Washington State Senate Bill 5580 and a national proposal announced by Donald Trump via Truth Social last night.

While these efforts take very different approaches, they reflect a shared concern about how large-scale investors may be affecting access to homeownership. [Read more…]

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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