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.

Common Mortgage Abbreviations

Common mortgage abbreviationsThere are so many abbreviations and acronyms in the mortgage process. As mortgage professionals, we’re so used to hearing these terms that some of us may not realize that not everyone may be aware what a DTI, AUS or MBS means.

Here’s a list of common mortgage abbreviations you may find useful. I’m sure I’ll be updating this as I come along other often used abbreviations. 🤓

Understanding Common Mortgage Abbreviations

By the way, if your mortgage professional talks in a language that’s difficult to understand, ask them to explain or maybe, find a different mortgage professional. I strongly believe that you should be able to make informed decisions about what is probably your largest debt on your greatest asset (your home) and your mortgage professional should be assisting in providing clarity.

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Online Homebuying Classes from The Mortgage Porter

I am so excited to announce that I have a series of online homebuyer classes that I will be hosting starting in October. I’m calling it the Wednesday Workshop. Teaching has always been one of the things that brings me great joy with my career and this has been on my list of things that I want to do for a while. So… I will be having a one-hour session every other Wednesday (roughly) breaking down the process of how to buy a home. [Read more…]

How to Shop for Homeowners Insurance as a Home Buyer

How to shop for homeowners insurance when you're buying a homeBuying a home is one of the biggest investments you’ll ever make and protecting that investment with the right homeowner’s insurance (also referred to as hazard insurance) is just as important as finding the right mortgage. Many homebuyers wait until the last minute to shop for coverage, but taking the time to compare policies early in the process can save you money and stress. Here are some tips to help you shop smart for homeowners’ insurance: [Read more…]

Fancy Wedding or New Home?

Fancy wedding or buying a new home The Seattle Times recently published an article on how expense weddings are becoming in the greater Seattle area and how some couples are opting for simpler ceremonies. The article quotes an average cost for a wedding, according to a local wedding planner of being $58,000. As a mortgage professional, it’s jaw dropping to me that people spend this amount of money instead of buying a home or saving for retirement. I understand that this is an incredibly important time in a person’s life and a celebration to remember…but once the honeymoon is over, you have beautiful memories and a gorgeous photo album.

What if instead most of those funds were used to buy a home that will most likely appreciate in value creating future financial security? [Read more…]

Here to help you on the weekends!

Rhonda Porter is a loan officer in the greater Seattle area who works on the weekendsToday I met with clients “virtually” via Zoom from the comforts of their home for a mortgage consultation. They’re getting ready to tour homes later today with their real estate agent and wanted to be prepared for what their options are in the event they find their next home. We discussed their preapproval and different strategies for homes they’re considering. [Read more…]