Helping Washington State homeowners learn more about their mortgage options.
In this week’s episode of The Mortgage Porter Weekly, we’re covering several timely topics that are influencing mortgage rates and homeownership decisions right now — from global trade headlines to practical ways homeowners are funding remodels.
If you’re watching rates, thinking about renovating your home, or planning to buy in the near future, here’s a recap of what we discussed.
How Much Money Do You Need to Buy a Home?Down payment, closing costs, and real-world ways to make homeownership possible
One of the biggest myths about buying a home is that you “need 20% down.” In reality, many buyers can purchase with far less—and sometimes with little to no out-of-pocket funds, depending on the loan program, down payment assistance options, and whether the seller contributes toward closing costs.
In this workshop replay, I break down the real costs of buying a home, when those costs show up during the transaction, and the most common (and acceptable) ways to source your funds—so you can plan with confidence. [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.
Buying a home is a big milestone—and for many people, it’s also one of the most confusing financial decisions they’ll ever make. If you’re thinking about buying a home but aren’t sure where to start, you’re not alone.
That’s exactly why I created the Home Buyer Workshop Series, beginning with Getting Started with Homeownership. This first class is designed to give you a clear, practical overview of the home buying process—without pressure, sales tactics, or assumptions about where you are in your journey.
Welcome to the final episode of The Mortgage Porter – Mortgage Rates and More for 2025.
As we close out the year, I wanted to take a few minutes to reflect on where mortgage rates have been in 2025, where they appear to be trending, and what industry experts are forecasting for 2026. I also share a few important updates around holiday market closures, upcoming homebuyer education, and what to expect in the new year.
[Read more…]
Welcome to this week’s edition of The Mortgage Porter Weekly, where I break down what’s happening in the mortgage and housing markets and what it means for homebuyers, homeowners, and real estate professionals.
What’s impacting mortgage rates this week? Check out my latest episode of The Mortgage Porter.
If you’re thinking about buying a home, refinancing or a reverse mortgage, let’s have a conversation – we can start planning, even if it’s months away.
This week’s episode of The Mortgage Porter reviews current mortgage rates and what may impact rates this short holiday week. Plus, we review recent changes to Fannie Mae’s guidelines that removes the minimum credit score requirement of 620.
If you or anyone you know are thinking about buying or refinancing a home, I am happy to help! Feel free to contact me to review your scenario.
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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