Frank Ellerbroek, Mortgage Broker, Vantage Mortgage Brokers, NMLS #128726

05/27/2026

📉 Mortgage rates are proving again just how volatile the market can be.

Last week, rates hit a 9-month high driven by inflation concerns, rising energy prices, and Middle East tensions. This week? We’re already seeing improvement as Treasury yields stabilized following more positive global news. 🌍

Markets can shift fast — sometimes in just days. That’s why trying to perfectly “time” rates is nearly impossible. The better strategy is understanding your numbers and being ready when the right opportunity opens. 🏡

If you’re thinking about buying, refinancing, or just want to understand your options, I’m happy to help you review the math.

Rate Tracker for 5/27/26 available now.
Visit www.vantagemortgagegroup.com/frankratetracker to see today’s rates.

Frank Ellerbroek NMLS #128726, VMB NMLS # 35986, Equal Housing Opportunity

05/21/2026

As we head into Memorial Day weekend, I want to take a moment to remember and honor the brave men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice serving our country and protecting the freedoms we enjoy every day.

It’s easy to get caught up in the busy pace of life, but this holiday is truly about gratitude, reflection, and remembering those who gave everything for others.

Wishing you and your family a safe, meaningful, and peaceful Memorial Day weekend.

Frank Ellerbroek NMLS #128726, VMB NMLS # 35986, Equal Housing Opportunity

05/20/2026

Mortgage rates took another hit this week as inflation came in HOTTER than expected and tensions in Iran pushed energy prices higher. 🔥

With inflation now running at 3.8%, the Fed appears in no rush to cut rates — keeping pressure on mortgage pricing. The result? Many buyers are still sitting on the sidelines waiting for the “perfect” rate.

But here’s what many are missing: inventory is improving and competition is lower than we’ve seen in years. The buyers taking action now often get better choices, stronger negotiating power, and less bidding war stress. 🏡

The good news? Bonds showed signs of improvement today after several rough days, so we’ll be watching closely for any short-term opportunity window.

Want to compare rates without the games or hidden pricing? My website gives you instant access to live, transparent mortgage rates tailored to your specific lending scenario — making it easy to compare options and shop smart.

Rate Tracker for 5/20/26 available now.
Visit www.vantagemortgagegroup.com/ratetracker to see today’s rates. For live rates visit www.frankellerbroek.com.

Frank Ellerbroek NMLS #128726,VMB NMLS # 35986, Equal Housing Opportunity

05/15/2026

05/13/2026

🚨 Mortgage rates moved higher this week, reaching their highest level in over a month after inflation came in hotter than expected.

Tuesday’s CPI report showed inflation rising to 3.8% annually — the highest level in 3 years — driven largely by rising energy prices tied to ongoing Middle East tensions. Higher inflation is bad for mortgage rates because it signals the Fed may need to keep rates elevated longer.

Adding to market uncertainty, Kevin Warsh was also confirmed by the Senate this week as the new Federal Reserve Chair, and investors will be watching closely for clues on the future direction of interest rates.

For now, mortgage rates are expected to remain elevated compared to the improvements we saw before the Iran conflict began.

Track live mortgage rates anytime at: www.frankellerbroek.com

Rate Tracker for 5/13/26 available now.
Visit www.vantagemortgagegroup.com/frankratetracker to see today’s rates.

Frank Ellerbroek NMLS #128726,VMB NMLS # 35986, Equal Housing Opportunity

05/06/2026

Oil prices are swinging… and mortgage rates are moving right along with them. ⛽📉🏡

Mortgage rates remain volatile as markets continue reacting to Middle East tensions and sharp swings in oil prices. We did see some improvement today after oil prices dropped, helping rates recover some ground after recent increases.

Now all eyes turn to Friday’s government jobs report, which could create another big move in rates in either direction. Timing continues to matter in this market. 📈

If you’re thinking about buying, refinancing, or just want to compare where you stand, check out my live mortgage rates and let me know your target payment or rate goals. I’m happy to run the math.

Rate Tracker for 5/6/26 available now.
Visit https://lnkd.in/g23zB6Wi to see today’s rates.

Frank Ellerbroek NMLS #128726, VMB NMLS # 35986, Equal Housing Opportunity

04/29/2026

Rates are reminding us again this week—they don’t move in a straight line. After some back-and-forth volatility, we’ve seen a slight upward trend as mortgage-backed securities softened.

The Fed held rates steady, but there was more disagreement than usual and inflation is still being called out as elevated, partly tied to energy prices. That ongoing uncertainty is what continues to drive the day-to-day movement we’re seeing in mortgage rates.

On the housing side, there are signs buyers are starting to step back in this spring as inventory improves in many areas 🏡

As always, timing matters in this market—windows can open and close quickly. The key is making sure the numbers make sense for your situation, not trying to perfectly time it.

If you want to see where rates land for you specifically, I’m happy to run a quick cost analysis 👍

Rate Tracker for 4/29/26 available now.
Visit www.vantagemortgagegroup.com/frankratetracker to see today’s rates.

Frank Ellerbroek NMLS #128726, VMB NMLS # 35986, Equal Housing Opportunity

04/24/2026

Our Vantage Mortgage Brokers 2026 Spring Newsletter is available now. We discuss mortgage rates, forecasts, refinancing and analyze housing data in the Pacific Northwest. Read the newsletter here - https://vantagemortgagegroup.com/spring2026newsletter-frank/

Frank Ellerbroek NMLS #128726, VMB NMLS #35986, Equal Housing Opportunity

04/23/2026

Mortgage rates are continuing to move around week to week—and even within the same week, we’re seeing shifts both up and down 📊

This past week started with some improvement, but we’ve seen a slight reversal in recent days. That’s the reality of today’s market—there’s a lot in play right now including inflation data, jobs reports, and global events like the tentative ceasefire in Iran 🌍

The bigger picture over the past few weeks does show some mild improvement, but timing matters. These windows can open and close quickly ⏳

If you’ve been thinking about buying or refinancing, this is the kind of market where having a plan (and watching the timing) can make a real difference.

As always, I’m happy to run a quick cost analysis and show you what the numbers look like across our network of 35+ wholesale lenders.

Rate Tracker for 4/22/26 available now.
Visit www.vantagemortgagegroup.com/frankratetracker to see today’s rates.

Frank Ellerbroek NMLS #128726, VMB NMLS # 35986, Equal Housing Opportunity

04/15/2026

Mortgage rates finally caught a break this week 📉 after several weeks of increases.

The shift? Markets are starting to focus less on inflation and more on signs of a slowing economy. We’re seeing mixed data—stronger manufacturing, but weaker homebuilder confidence and only modest economic growth overall.

That said, rates are still being held higher than we saw a few weeks ago due to ongoing geopolitical tensions, especially around Iran 🌍

👉 Bottom line: We’re seeing improvement, but volatility is still very much in play.

If tensions ease, upcoming economic reports (jobs, manufacturing, production) will likely drive the next move.

As always, timing matters in this market—windows can open and close quickly. I’d be happy to run a comparative cost analysis for your refinance or purchase using our network of 35+ wholesale lenders so you can see the real numbers and make the right move.

Rate Tracker for 4/15/26 available now.
Visit www.vantagemortgagegroup.com/frankratetracker to see today’s rates.

Frank Ellerbroek NMLS #128726, VMB NMLS # 35986, Equal Housing Opportunity

04/15/2026

Most estate plans look fine… until they aren’t.

I’m hosting a live webinar with estate planning attorney Jessica Jetter from Bryan & Jetter PLLC, where Jessica will cover the key mistakes people make and what you should be doing instead—especially here in Washington.

📅 May 13th
⏰ 6:00–7:00 PM
💻 Live on Zoom

👉 https://rb.gy/wr0e67

Jessica will cover:
✔️ Washington’s estate tax trap (and how it can hit harder than expected)
✔️ The truth about living trusts (not always what you’ve been told)
✔️ The one document that can cause major issues if missing
✔️ A big mistake parents make when planning for their kids

This is real-world insight that could save your family a lot of money and stress down the road.

If you’ve been putting this off—or think you’re “probably fine”—this is one you don’t want to miss.

👉 Save your spot now: https://rb.gy/wr0e67