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
What Lower Mortgage Rates Could Mean for the Greater Seattle AreaLate yesterday afternoon, Trump posted on social media that he was instructing Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac to significantly increase their purchases of mortgage-backed securities (MBS), with figures being discussed as high as $200 billion.
While details and timing always matter, it’s important to understand how this type of action works, how it can influence mortgage rates nationally, and why the impact can be amplified here in the Greater Seattle housing market. [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.
When you’re buying a home or refinancing in Seattle, Bellevue, Kirkland, Redmond, Tacoma, or anywhere in Washington State, receiving a mortgage quote can feel both exciting and overwhelming. It’s tempting to focus on the interest rate alone—but a truly good mortgage rate quote is about much more than one number.
Here are five key tips to help homebuyers and homeowners determine whether a mortgage quote is genuinely good—or just looks good at first glance. [Read more…]
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…]
Mortgage 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…]
It’s a BIG holiday week and I am postponing this week’s episode of the Mortgage Porter Mortgage Rate Update until next Monday.
Mortgage rates are still in a fairly tight range as you can see from Optimal Blues Mortgage Market Index which is based on mortgage rates that were locked on December 19,2025 by lenders who use Optimal Blue for their pricing/locking platform. [Read more…]
Freddie Mac released the PMMS (Prime Mortgage Market Survey) today showing that mortgage rates for the 30-year fixed averaged 6.22% last week. Really, the best use of Freddie’s survey is to show how mortgage rates are trending because you can’t lock in last week’s rate UNLESS they just happen to be the very same rate as what’s available to you at the moment you’re ready, willing and able to lock. [Read more…]
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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