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

11/04/2026

📉 Mortgage rates are moving lower—for the third straight week!

The conventional 30-year fixed rates I’m tracking are down about a quarter of a percentage point since last Wednesday. That’s welcome relief for buyers and could create an opportunity for homeowners considering a refinance.

What’s driving the improvement? Following the midterm elections, bonds rallied as investors weighed the potential for changes in federal spending and a possible easing of the Iran conflict. Falling oil prices have also helped ease inflation concerns, supporting lower mortgage rates.

Will the trend continue? The election reaction is encouraging, but it doesn’t guarantee lower rates ahead. Friday’s jobs report, upcoming inflation numbers, Federal Reserve policy, and economic growth will all influence where rates go next. We could still see some swings along the way.

My takeaway: If you’re buying or considering a refinance, this is a good time to update your numbers. Compare the payment, closing costs, and potential savings to see whether today’s options fit your goals.

See this weeks rate tracker on my blog at https://frank-ellerbroek-site.vercel.app/blog/weekly-rate-tracker-11-4-2026 View live rates without entering your contact information, then use Compare Your Options on the live rates page at HomeLoansWithFrank.com.

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

10/28/2026

🏡 Weekly Rate Tracker | October 28, 2026

Mortgage rates fell for the second consecutive week, offering some relief after a multi-week climb. The MBA’s average 30-year fixed rate eased from 7.41% to 7.37%, though rates remain more than a full percentage point higher than this time last year. Mortgage applications responded with a 3.4% increase.

The Fed held its benchmark rate steady today, but mortgage rates follow the bond market and can still move based on inflation expectations and Fed commentary. Oil-price volatility, geopolitical tensions, and persistent inflation remain key pressures keeping borrowing costs elevated.

Markets are also watching next week’s midterm elections. Once the results are confirmed, investors will assess potential policy changes—and that could bring additional rate volatility in either direction.

For buyers, this week’s improvement makes it worth refreshing the numbers, including whether seller credits or a rate buydown could help. For homeowners considering refinancing, the key is comparing monthly savings against costs and your break-even timeline.

👉 View this weeks rates at: https://homeloanswithfrank.com/blog/weekly-rate-tracker-10-28-2026

Frank Ellerbroek | Vantage Mortgage Brokers
VMB NMLS #35986 | Equal Housing Opportunity

10/28/2026

Welcome to Kitsap, USS Abraham Lincoln sailors and families! ⚓

Planning a move to Bremerton? Explore your homebuying options before you arrive.

My latest blog welcomes incoming military families and introduces my Military Relocation Guide, covering Kitsap communities, VA financing and how to begin your pre-approval remotely—even while you’re still in San Diego.

With 28+ years of lending experience and roots in Central Kitsap, I help military families compare competitive rates, understand closing costs and make the most of their VA loan benefit.

Read the blog and start planning your move:
https://www.homeloanswithfrank.com/blog/welcome-to-kitsap-uss-abraham-lincoln-helping-military-families-make-their-next-move

Frank Ellerbroek | NMLS #128726
Vantage Mortgage Brokers | NMLS #35986
Equal Housing Opportunity

Pre-approval is conditional and is not a commitment to lend. Loans subject to eligibility, credit, underwriting and property requirements. Not affiliated with or endorsed by the U.S. Navy or VA.

Moving to Naval Base Kitsap or Bremerton? Explore VA loans, local communities and how to get pre-approved before your military move.

10/26/2026

The Lowest Mortgage Rate Isn’t Always the Lowest-Cost Loan

Before choosing a quote, ask:

• What does the rate cost in points and lender fees?
• How much cash will I need at closing?
• How long will the payment savings take to recover the extra expense?

A lower rate can make sense. Keeping more savings available can also make sense. Your plans help determine which option fits.

My latest blog walks through a simple break-even example and what to compare beyond the rate.

Read the blog: https://homeloanswithfrank.com/blog/the-lowest-mortgage-rate-isn-t-always-the-lowest-cost-loan

Have quotes to review? Try Compare Your Options Calculator at this link: https://homeloanswithfrank.com/compare

Frank Ellerbroek | NMLS #128726
Vantage Mortgage Brokers | NMLS #35986
Equal Housing Opportunity

10/23/2026

Could waiting for a lower mortgage rate cost you more?

Lower rates can bring more buyers—and more competition. Higher rates can create room to negotiate on price, closing costs, and seller-funded buydowns.

But how do those opportunities compare with waiting?

In my latest blog, I walk through a $600,000 home example, comparing buying at 7.375% with waiting three years for a hypothetical 6% rate. The difference may surprise you.

The key: today’s full payment must fit comfortably, without depending on a future refinance.

Take a look at the numbers before deciding to wait.

👉 Read the blog: https://homeloanswithfrank.com/blog/look-beyond-the-rate-what-could-waiting-cost-you

Frank Ellerbroek | NMLS #128726
Vantage Mortgage Brokers | NMLS #35986
Equal Housing Opportunity

10/22/2026

Mortgage rates finally dipped—but buyers aren’t rushing back just yet.

The average 30-year fixed mortgage rate in the Mortgage Bankers Association’s weekly survey fell from 7.50% to 7.41%, the first decline in more than two months.

Even with that improvement, mortgage applications fell 5.3%, with purchase applications down 7.3%. A small rate dip helps, but affordability remains a challenge.

And the improvement wasn’t a straight line. By Wednesday afternoon, rates were edging higher again as weaker demand at a Treasury bond auction put pressure on the market.

What’s next? Investors are watching unemployment claims, inflation and consumer sentiment ahead of next week’s Federal Reserve meeting. The Fed doesn’t directly set mortgage rates—mortgage pricing often moves ahead of its decisions as markets anticipate what comes next.

One encouraging week is welcome news. Whether it becomes a lasting trend will depend on the economic data ahead.

Read this week’s Rate Tracker:
👉 https://homeloanswithfrank.com/blog/weekly-rate-tracker-10-21-2026

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

10/17/2026

Already have a VA loan? You may still have options for your next home!

VA bonus entitlement is an often-overlooked benefit that may allow you to keep your current VA-financed home and buy a new primary residence—potentially with no down payment.

That could mean:

✅ Keeping your current home and its existing mortgage
✅ Potentially turning your previous home into a rental
✅ Buying your next primary residence with no monthly mortgage insurance

Your remaining entitlement, finances, and lender requirements determine what’s possible.

I break down how it works—with a simple example—in my latest blog:

👉 https://www.homeloanswithfrank.com/blog/va-bonus-entitlement-a-hidden-opportunity-for-veterans-buying-their-next-home

Have a move in mind? Let’s review your options together.

Frank Ellerbroek | NMLS #128726
Vantage Mortgage Brokers | NMLS #35986
Equal Housing Opportunity
Subject to VA eligibility and lender approval. Not affiliated with the VA.

10/14/2026

🏡 A little relief for mortgage rates—but plenty to watch.

Mortgage rates have improved modestly since last Wednesday, giving buyers a little breathing room. Daily swings continue, though, as inflation keeps the market on edge.

📊 Here’s what’s driving rates:

• Inflation: Annual inflation reached 3.7% in September, up from 3.4% in August.
• Treasury yields: The 10-year Treasury yield briefly topped 5.3% after the inflation report before retreating.
• Energy costs: Oil above $100 a barrel continues to put pressure on prices.
• The Fed: Expectations for another rate hike have increased, adding uncertainty.

There’s still opportunity for buyers. In some local markets, slower demand means more time to compare homes and more room to negotiate price, closing costs or repairs.

My advice? Focus on a comfortable payment, compare lenders and look at the total cost. A good homebuying decision involves much more than the headline rate.

📩 Want to see what today’s market means for your budget? Let’s compare your options.

Rate Tracker for 10/14/26 available now.
Visit https://homeloanswithfrank.com/blog/weekly-rate-tracker-10-16-2026 to see today’s rates.

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

10/07/2026

🏡 Mortgage rates finally took a breather—but what comes next?

After several weeks of increases, mortgage rates were mostly flat over the past week, with modest improvement today. Some welcome relief, though it’s too early to call it a lasting turnaround.

What’s keeping rates elevated?

📈 Inflation: Prices were up 3.4% from a year ago in August, still above the Fed’s 2% target.

🏦 Fed policy: September’s quarter-point rate hike and uncertainty about future moves continue to influence bond markets and mortgage pricing.

⛽ Energy costs: Elevated fuel prices and geopolitical tensions are adding to inflation concerns.

Today offered a bright spot: strong demand for Treasury bonds helped reverse an early jump in bond yields, easing pressure on mortgage pricing.

For buyers, the focus remains on finding a comfortable monthly payment. Depending on the home and seller, negotiated credits could help cover closing costs or fund a temporary buydown.

Build your budget around what works today, with a future refinance as a potential bonus.

Want to explore your options? Let’s compare loan structures and strategies. You can also check the Live Rates feature on my website—no personal information required.

Rate Tracker for 10/7/26 available now.
Visit www.vantagemortgagegroup.com/frankratetracker to see today’s rates.

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