Homeownership & Lifestyle

Homeownership is more than a mortgage — it’s about community, lifestyle, and long-term planning.

This section includes personal insights, community involvement, and home-related topics that reflect the broader experience of owning and living in the great Pacific Northwest.

Presidents Day Reflections

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.”

[Read more…]

Martin Luther King Jr. Day

Martin Luther King JrToday we honor Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and reflect on his enduring message of justice, compassion, and equality.

“Man must evolve for all human conflict a method which rejects revenge, aggression and retaliation. The foundation of such a method is love.”

May we continue striving to lead with understanding, kindness, and respect for one another and lead with love.

Celebrating my 25 Years in the Mortgage Industry

Rhonda Porter Mortgage Advisor with 25 years of experience in the greater Seattle area. 25 years ago, I left my career in the title and escrow career to become a mortgage loan officer. I announced it on April fools day to the real estate agents that I was no longer going to be their title rep and that I was making the move to the mortgage side. Many were shocked as I had been in the title industry for 14 years and was pretty established. It was a big move! [Read more…]

Happy 18th Blog-Anniversary to The Mortgage Porter

18 years ago, I created The Mortgage Porter. I was frustrated with how the news was wrongly reporting that all loan officers were going to be licensed – which simply was wrong. Loan officers who work for depository banks or credit unions are not required to be licensed. We are held to different standards, which is unfortunate…but I digress. I’m here to celebrate the 18th anniversary of my blog, The Mortgage Porter. [Read more…]

I’m back from vacation!

Late Thursday night, I returned home from a three week vacation in Italy visiting my son and daughter-in-law, who are currently living in Europe. This is the longest vacation away from my wonderful hubby and work that I have ever done. My fantastic sister-in-law Marilyn joined me on this adventure to celebrate her retirement from Mortgage Master Service Corporation. [Read more…]