Helping Washington State homeowners learn more about their mortgage options.
Is a 1% Drop Enough to Refinance?You’ve probably heard the old rule of thumb: “You shouldn’t refinance unless interest rates drop at least 1%.”
But is that actually true in today’s market?
If you bought your home when rates were 6.75%—or anywhere in that 6–7% range—and you see them dipping into the low 6s or high 5s, you’re likely wondering if that move is enough to make a refinance worth the effort. [Read more…]
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.
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:
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…]
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…]
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 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…]
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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