How a 16-Month Real Estate Battle Changed the Way Washington Homes Come to MarketInside the new NWMLS First Look option and what it means for buyers and sellersBy Sean JeffreyRE/MAX Whatcom
5.5% interest rate option with 5 5 arm
Dated: February 10 2026
Views: 84
Would you buy a home if you could get 5.5% interest rate? I talked with Nick Borg at WECU today and they have a loan that locks in a homebuyer for 5 years on their rate. At the end of the 5 years, it adjusts to the current rate (no more than 2%) and locks for another 5 years. Easy and you can refinance at any time. Call Nick for your 5/5 arm rate.
Early forecasts suggest the housing market in 2026 may be more predictable. Locally, it appears we’ve already seen the bottom of the market. Late 2023 marked the low point, and 2025 prices have remained steady rather than declining. Whatcom County ended the year with a 0.9% median price increase, while Skagit County saw a stronger 3.4% gain—a sign of stabilization and renewed confidence.
If you’re renting and thinking about buying someday, you’re not alone. Many renters—especially millennials and Gen Z—are optimistic about homeownership, even though concerns about credit, down payments, and affordability are common. The good news is that small steps taken early can make a big difference.
One common misconception is how much cash you need upfront. In Washington State, programs through the Washington State Housing Finance Commission (WSHFC)—including Home Advantage and House Key—offer down payment assistance that can make buying more achievable than many people expect.
You don’t need to be ready today to start preparing. If homeownership is on your radar, I’m happy to help you understand where you stand and create a simple plan for the future.
Lori Christensen
Lori Christensen is a native Skagit County resident and enjoys living with her family in Bellingham since 2010. She ranked in the top ten agents in her brokerage and has sold over $44 million in ....
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