Blog - Bill Black- Mortgage Broker (NW Funding Group Inc)

Did You Know? Why Lenders Are Cautious With Homes That Have Acreage

Did you know lenders are often more cautious with homes that have acreage? Extra land can impact appraisals, resale value, and loan approvals. Here’s why — and how to plan ahead.

This Week in Mortgage Rates: Buyers Are Back as Rates Hover in the Low 6s

Mortgage rates bounced around but stayed in a tight range near the low 6% area this week, while purchase applications hit their highest level since early 2023 and refinance demand more than doubled compared to last year. Here’s what that means if you’re thinking about buying or refinancing.

Rates Nudged Up—But Buyers in SW Washington Still Have an Opportunity Window

Mortgage rates ticked up slightly after stronger jobless-claims and durable-goods data, but buyers in Vancouver, Camas, Kelso, and Longview still have a strong window of opportunity. Here’s why the bump was small—and why your buying power hasn’t changed much heading into December.

Understanding Underwriting Delays: Tips to Keep Your Home Closing on Track

Closing on your dream home shouldn't feel like an uphill battle. Discover actionable tips to navigate underwriting delays and keep your plans on schedule.

Jobs Report Signals Stability: Your Guide to Smarter Homebuying Decisions!

Mortgage rates held steady after a mixed jobs report. Vancouver WA mortgage broker Bill Black explains what this means for buyers and investors in Clark County.

💥 Don’t Fear the 50: Why a 50-Year Mortgage Is Just Another Option — Not a Trap

A 50-year mortgage isn’t a life sentence. It’s a launchpad — a gateway into ownership. Renting for 50 years costs millions and builds zero wealth. Owning for 50 years creates millions in equity

Mortgage Rates Explained | Vancouver WA Market Update

Explained the Bill Black Way — Simple, Local, and Real. If you’ve been shopping for a home or exploring investment properties in Southwest Washington, you’ve probably noticed mortgage rates jumping around again. So, what’s really happening—and how does it affect your buying power here in Vancouver, WA?

New Credit Score Flex: Conventional Loans <620 Now Possible

Vancouver WA mortgage broker Bill Black explains how you might still qualify for a conventional loan—even with a credit score under 620.

Fed Cuts Rates, But Mortgage Rates Rise—What's a Homebuyer to Do?

As mortgage rates rise, homebuyers may feel uncertain. But navigating these trends is possible. Explore tips to secure the best deal and make homeownership attainable.

3 Reasons Home Affordability Is Finally Improving This Fall

Vancouver WA mortgage expert Bill Black explains why home affordability is rising with lower rates and slower price growth.

Mortgage Rates Hold Near Yearly Lows as Market Awaits Next Data

The average 30-year fixed mortgage rate is hovering near 3-year lows as bond markets hold steady amid limited economic data. Learn why rates remain low and what could move them next.

Mortgage Rates Tick Up Slightly as Bonds Weaken and MBS Underperform

On October 9, 2025, the average 30-year fixed mortgage rate edged slightly higher to 6.38% after a weaker 30-year Treasury auction and mild MBS underperformance. Rates remain stable within a narrow range as the government shutdown continues.

Mortgage Rates Holds Steady After Weak Jobs Report

On October 1, 2025, the average 30-year fixed mortgage rate held at 6.37% after weak private payroll data. Bigger shifts may follow when the delayed government jobs report is released.

Mortgage Rates Hit Yearly Lows—Then Bounced After the Fed Cut | Here’s What It Means for Clark County Homeowners and Buyers

With mortgage rates fluctuating, now is the time to act. Lower rates can mean more affordable payments, helping you seize your dream home despite market challenges.

Mortgage Rates Hit Yearly Lows—Then Jump After the Fed Cut. Here’s What Happened (and Why Applications Just Surged)

After touching yearly lows early in the week, the average 30-year fixed rose following the Fed’s rate cut—thanks to the dot plot and Powell’s comments. Still, mortgage applications just saw their biggest weekly jump since 2021 as homeowners reacted to earlier rate declines. Here’s what it means for buyers and homeowners.

Recent Articles