Six months ago, I published my 2026 mortgage rate predictions, and if you’d told me back in December that the biggest driver of rates this year would be a war halfway around the world, I would’ve said that’s not usually how this works. But here we are at the midyear mark, and that’s exactly what happened. Let’s recap what actually unfolded in the first half of 2026 and then get into the updated forecasts for the rest of the year. [Read more…]
2026 Mortgage Rate Forecast: Midyear Update
July 1, 2026 by 1 Comment
The Mortgage Porter Weekly | Mortgage Rates | Economy – Inflation | Price Reduction vs. Rate Buydown
June 8, 2026 by Leave a Comment
This week we cover the latest jobs data, housing price forecasts, the Optimal Blue rate index, this week’s economic calendar, a morning MBS update, and a spotlight on price reductions versus seller-paid rate buydowns — including a real example that may surprise you.
The Mortgage Porter Weekly | Mortgage Rates, Middle East & Non-QM Mortgages
June 1, 2026 by Leave a Comment
It’s the first week of June! Here is this week’s Mortgage Porter Weekly.
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The Mortgage Porter Weekly Update – Mortgage Rates Below 6%
February 17, 2026 by Leave a Comment
Good morning from Astoria, Oregon.
I’m writing this from our room at the Bowline Hotel, with a herd (pod? committee?) of very committed resident sea lions barking below our window. If you’ve stayed here, you know exactly what I mean.
This is where our road trip began—and where it’s ending.
We left from Astoria headed south toward sunshine and desert skies, spending time in Palm Desert and standing in awe at the Grand Canyon. After taking in so much beauty, we decided to come full circle and return to where we started.
There’s something meaningful about that. [Read more…]
The Mortgage Porter Weekly – February 2, 2026
February 2, 2026 by Leave a Comment
Even though I’m on the road this week enjoying a little vacation time, I’m still keeping an eye on the mortgage market and the key economic reports that can influence interest rates.
As of January 30, 2026, the **average 30-year fixed conforming mortgage rate is approximately 6.066%. Rates continue to move within a fairly tight range, but this week’s economic data could bring some volatility—especially toward the end of the week.
