If you bought your home in the past few years and your interest rate starts with a 6… or maybe even a 7… you’re not alone.
One of the most common questions I’m hearing right now is:
I Bought My Home with a 6.75% Rate – Should I Refinance Now?
February 19, 2026 by Leave a Comment
What is a Mortgage Recast or Reamortization?
February 18, 2026 by Leave a Comment
What Is a Mortgage Recast?
If you’ve ever made a large lump-sum payment toward your mortgage — or thought about doing so — you may have heard the terms “mortgage recast” or “reamortization.”
A recast can be a powerful (and often misunderstood) option for homeowners who want a lower monthly payment without refinancing.
Let’s break down what a recast is, how it works, and when it may (or may not) make sense. [Read more…]
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…]
Presidents Day Reflections
February 16, 2026 by Leave a Comment
Today, as we celebrate Presidents Day, I’ve been thinking about a leader who shaped so much of what we’re able to enjoy today — especially when we’re out on the open road.
Theodore Roosevelt wasn’t just a president — he was a conservationist who believed deeply in protecting America’s natural beauty for future generations.
One of my favorite quotes from him:
“There can be nothing in the world more beautiful than the Yosemite, the groves of the giant sequoias and redwoods, the Canyon of the Colorado, the Canyon of the Yellowstone.”
Using a Reverse Mortgage for Home Improvements
February 11, 2026 by Leave a Comment
Using a Reverse Mortgage to Improve Your Home and Age in Place.
For many homeowners, the goal isn’t to move — it’s to stay.
I often speak with homeowners who love their neighborhood, their community, and their home, but realize that the house itself may need updates to support the next phase of life. Whether that means improving accessibility, upgrading systems, or making the home more comfortable and efficient, remodeling can play a key role in aging in place.
For homeowners 62 and older, a reverse mortgage can be a valuable option to help fund those improvements. [Read more…]
The Mortgage Porter Weekly – Mortgage Rates for the Week of February 9, 2026
February 9, 2026 by Leave a Comment
Mortgage rates moved a bit higher last week. As of Friday, February 6, 2026, the average 30-year fixed conforming rate was 6.083% per Optimal Blue. Optimal Blue’s mortage rate index is based on an average from rates that were locked by lenders who utilize OB. We don’t know what the factors are for pricing the rates and these rates are from Friday so they are expired. For current mortgage rates based on your personal scenario, please contact me.
Bank Statement Loans for Business Owners
February 5, 2026 by Leave a Comment
Bank Statement Loans for Self-Employed Borrowers
A Mortgage Option Designed Around Cash Flow — Not Tax Returns
If you’re self-employed, a business owner, or an independent contractor, qualifying for a mortgage can feel frustrating. You may have strong cash flow and consistent deposits, yet your tax returns don’t always reflect your true earning power.
That’s where bank statement loans come in.
A bank statement loan is a Non-QM (Non-Qualified Mortgage) program designed specifically for self-employed borrowers. Instead of using tax returns, this program allows borrowers to qualify based on actual deposits shown on personal or business bank statements, providing a more realistic picture of income. [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.
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