If you’ve started shopping for a mortgage in Washington State, you’ve probably run into a handful of different types of lenders — brokers, banks, credit unions, and correspondent lenders — often used almost interchangeably. They are not the same thing, and the difference can affect your rate, your timeline, and who you’re actually talking to when something goes wrong. Here’s how each one works. [Read more…]
What Credit Score Do You Need to Buy a House?
March 26, 2026 by Leave a Comment
Credit score is one of the first things buyers worry about when they start thinking about a mortgage — and for good reason. It affects what programs you qualify for, what interest rate you receive, and in some cases how your entire application is evaluated. But the relationship between credit score and mortgage qualification is more nuanced than most people realize, and it’s changing.
This guide covers what you actually need to know: the minimums by program, how lenders use credit scores, what the difference between a credit score and a credit report really means, how your score affects your rate, and what’s shifted in the way conventional loans evaluate credit. [Read more…]
Which Mortgage Program Is Right for Me?
March 12, 2026 by 1 Comment
What Mortgage Program Is Right for Me? A Plain-English Guide to Your Options
If you’ve been asking yourself “what mortgage program is right for me?” — you’re asking exactly the right question. The loan type you choose affects your down payment, your monthly payment, your interest rate, and how easy it is to qualify. And the options are more varied than most people realize.
This guide breaks down every major mortgage program in simple terms: who each one is designed for, what the key requirements are, and how to think about your own situation. If you’ve ever been told you don’t qualify — or you’re not sure where to start — keep reading. [Read more…]
Mortgage Rates Under 6% — Is the Supreme Court Ruling on Tariffs Impacting the Market?
February 23, 2026 by Leave a Comment
Welcome back to Mortgage Porter Weekly!
After an amazing three-week road trip down to California, the Grand Canyon, and back home to Seattle, I’m officially back in the office and watching the markets closely. And what a week to return — we’re seeing something we haven’t consistently seen in a while…
30-year conforming mortgage rates are trending lower!
That’s getting attention.
