Mortgage Rate Predictions for 2026: What Washington Homebuyers & Homeowners Should Know

Mortgage Rate Forecast for 2026Mortgage rates continue to be one of the most talked-about topics for homebuyers and homeowners across Washington State. Whether you’re hoping to buy your first home, move up, or refinance, it’s natural to wonder: where are mortgage rates headed in 2026?

While no forecast is guaranteed, several respected housing and mortgage organizations regularly publish outlooks that can help set realistic expectations. Below is a Washington-focused look at what groups like the Mortgage Bankers Association, Freddie Mac, Fannie Mae, and Zillow are projecting — and what it could mean for buyers and homeowners here in the Pacific Northwest. [Read more…]

The 50 Year Mortgage Idea

50 Year Mortgage Over the weekend, the administration bounced the idea of having a 50-year mortgage. This was followed up by the FHFA director, Bill Pulte, stating that they are working on a plan. The reactions to this announcement are across the board with some embracing it as the miracle that will help create more affordability to others viewing it as a subprime product. Mortgage originators have been quick to post rates comparing 50 year mortgage to what may be available with a 30-year. Even if this product becomes available, in my opinion, it’s highly unlikely a 50-year amortized mortgage will have the same rate as a 30-year fixed. Just look at how mortgage rates are priced when you compare a 30-year to a 15-year amortized mortgage. Click here for current mortgage rates for your personal scenario. [Read more…]

You may not want to wait too long on home prices coming down

If you’re waiting for home prices to come down or interest rates to improve a bit more; I hope you’ll read an article recently penned by David Stevens: A Reminder: Home Prices Always Rise Over Time | LinkedIn

David has an extensive background in the mortgage industry, including serving as the Assistant Secretary of Housing and Federal Housing Commissioner for the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). [Read more…]

Should You Follow Dave Ramsey’s Advice on Mortgages?

Dave Ramsey is someone a lot of people follow for financial advise. Lately he’s been showing up A LOT in my Facebook stream pushing his thoughts on mortgages, home ownership and credit. Some of his ideas, I don’t totally disagree with. In fact, I shared a post that came from his group encouraging people to continue to pay rent and make their mortgage payments during the pandemic if at all possible (ie nothing is for free). However, I don’t support what he instructs his followers who are considering buying a home and I also have an issue with anyone who pushes their “team of vetted real estate agents”…I would be really surprised if there is not some sort of financial relationship associated with this referral arrangement.

Let’s take a look at what he encourages his followers to do with regards to buying a home or getting a mortgage. [Read more…]

Good Bye, Seattle’s Alaskan Way Viaduct

The Alaskan Way Viaduct aka Highway 99, was my preferred route when traveling through Seattle. As someone who lives in West Seattle, Highway 99 (or the viaduct) was a great alternative when traveling to downtown Seattle or north Seattle. I voted against the tunnel twice and will miss the views driving the viaduct. I really wish the viaduct would have been retrofitted or rebuilt instead of the tunnel. Anyhow… I thought I would share a video our family created a few years ago about the viaduct – tunnel. No animals were harmed in this video!

I will really miss the viaduct. I enjoyed the gritty drive and will miss the amazing views. When our beloved JP Patches was at our home for my surprise 40th party, he said our elected officials had “tunnel vision” and I could not agree more.