Helping Washington State homeowners learn more about their mortgage options.
Mortgage rates moved below 6% on 30-year fixed loans, and last week delivered some of the most headline-driven volatility we’ve seen so far in 2026. Between political pressure, economic data, and mortgage bond activity, it’s a market that can change quickly.
In this week’s episode of The Mortgage Porter Weekly, I break down what happened last week, what to watch this week, and what it means for homeowners and homebuyers—especially here in Washington State.
Watch the full video below
Housing 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…]
Welcome to the first episode of The Mortgage Porter – Mortgage Rates and More for 2026.
As we begin the new year, this week’s update focuses on one of the most common — and important — questions for homebuyers and homeowners alike: what causes mortgage interest rates to move.
I also share where mortgage rates are currently sitting, how they’re trending, which upcoming economic reports can move the market, and important updates on homebuyer education for the weeks ahead.
We are going on 14 days with the government shutdown. How does the shutdown impact obtaining a mortgage for a purchase or a refi? Is it impacting mortgage rates? Check out the latest episode of The Mortgage Porter.
What??? No Jobs Report last Friday because of the government shut-down? What did mortgage interest rates do? Check out the latest on The Mortgage Porter.
Last Friday, something I have been writing about for years finally happened. Trigger leads have been banned!
The bipartisan Homebuyers Privacy Protection Act (H.R. 2808) is now official. The law doesn’t go into effect until March of next year… so unless you protect yourself and opt-out of being harassed by strange loan officers or I mean, loan officers who are strangers, you will still feel very popular after having your credit pulled.
Honestly, even after this goes into effect, I still recommend protecting your credit by following these steps.
Of course, if you’re thinking about buying or refinancing your home, I am happy to help you!
I’m excited to share some important and timely news that’s poised to make your homebuying experience smoother, less stressful, and more private. If you’re a long time reader of The Mortgage Porter, you know that I have a huge beef with trigger leads with the articles I’ve written. Let me break down the latest developments around the Homebuyers Privacy Protection Act (H.R. 2808)—also known as the “Trigger Leads” bill—and explain exactly what it means for you. [Read more…]
We have jobs data this week and we have Trump’s tariffs potentially impacting mortgage rates. In this episode, I share how loan level price adjustments are used to determine mortgage rates. Check out all this and more in my weekly update!
Rhonda Porter is a Licensed Mortgage Originator MLO121324 living in the greater Seattle area. Rhonda began her career in 1986 in the title and escrow industry and began her mortgage career in 2000. She enjoys helping people understand the mortgage process and started writing The Mortgage Porter in late 2006. Read More…
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