Mortgage Rates & Market Updates

Mortgage rates are influenced by economic data, inflation trends, Federal Reserve policy, and global markets — not just headlines.

In this section, I break down what’s happening in the mortgage-backed securities market and how economic reports may impact rates. You’ll find:

Weekly mortgage rate updates
Federal Reserve (FOMC) commentary
Inflation and employment report insights
Housing market trends
Legislative updates affecting lending

My goal is to translate complex economic movement into practical guidance for buyers and homeowners.

If you want context — not speculation — this is where you’ll find it.

Does the Fed Control Mortgage Rates? What Buyers and Homeowners Need to Know

April 29, 2026 by Rhonda Porter Leave a Comment

Today the Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC) wraps up its two-day meeting and announces whether the Fed Funds Rate will change. If you own a home or are thinking about buying one, you’ve probably been watching the headlines. And if you’re like most people, you may be wondering: does what the Fed does today affect my mortgage rate?

The short answer is: not directly. And understanding why is one of the most useful things a homeowner or home buyer can know about how mortgage rates actually work. [Read more…]

Filed Under: Mortgage Rates & Market Updates Tagged With: fomc, mortgage rates, the Fed

Mortgage Rates & Market Update — Week of April 20, 2026

April 20, 2026 by Rhonda Porter Leave a Comment

Mortgage rates are slightly improved compared to last’s update. Learn what may impact mortgages, recent improvements to low down conventional mortgage programs and a reminder for our upcoming homebuyer workshop in this week’s episode of The Mortgage Porter.

The Mortgage Porter Weekly: Mortgage Rates, Inflation, War and HELOC Program

April 13, 2026 by Rhonda Porter Leave a Comment

Mortgage Rate Update — Week of April 13, 2026

This week’s update covers March inflation data, a stronger-than-expected jobs report, the latest on mortgage-backed securities, and a spotlight on a powerful but underused product — the first lien HELOC, also known as an offset mortgage.

Discount Points vs. Rebate Credit: How Mortgage Rate Pricing Works

April 9, 2026 by Rhonda Porter Leave a Comment

When you get a mortgage rate quote, the interest rate is only part of the picture. Every rate comes with a price — and that price is expressed as either discount points or rebate credit. Understanding how this works gives you real control over your closing costs and monthly payment. [Read more…]

Filed Under: Mortgage Rates & Market Updates Tagged With: discount points, interest rates, points, rebate pricing

The Mortgage Porter Weekly: Mortgage Rates, Jobs Data, Inflation Reports, Iran Conflict and Condo Guidelines

April 6, 2026 by Rhonda Porter Leave a Comment

Mortgage rates slightly improved heading into the week of April 6, 2026 — but volatility remains the theme as the war in Iran, rising oil prices, and a packed economic calendar keep markets on edge.

In this week’s update, we covers last week’s stronger-than-expected jobs report, what the Iran conflict means for bond markets and mortgage pricing, where mortgage-backed securities stand this Monday morning, and a major spotlight on brand-new Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac condo financing guidelines that took effect in March 2026 — changes that could directly impact condo buyers and owners across King, Pierce, and Snohomish County.

Whether you’re a first-time homebuyer, move-up buyer, or homeowner considering a refinance, this weekly update is designed to help you make informed decisions in a fast-moving market.

[Read more…]