|
Mortgage Market Update
Jennifer Tewell
Jennifer Tewell
Thursday, September 3, 2026
|
Should you refinance? Here's how to tell |
|
Hi there—I want to share some straightforward thinking about refinancing this week. It's a tool that helps some homeowners, but only if the timing and numbers are right for you.
|
|
National Mortgage Rates · August 27, 2026
|
%22%2C%22fill%22%3Atrue%2C%22tension%22%3A0.4%2C%22pointRadius%22%3A4%2C%22pointBackgroundColor%22%3A%22%233b5bdb%22%2C%22borderWidth%22%3A2%7D%5D%7D%2C%22options%22%3A%7B%22plugins%22%3A%7B%22legend%22%3A%7B%22display%22%3Afalse%7D%7D%2C%22scales%22%3A%7B%22y%22%3A%7B%22ticks%22%3A%7B%22callback%22%3A%22function(v)%7Breturn%20v%2B%5C%22%25%5C%22%7D%22%2C%22color%22%3A%22%23666%22%7D%2C%22grid%22%3A%7B%22color%22%3A%22rgba(0%2C0%2C0%2C0.06)%22%7D%7D%2C%22x%22%3A%7B%22grid%22%3A%7B%22display%22%3Afalse%7D%2C%22ticks%22%3A%7B%22font%22%3A%7B%22size%22%3A11%7D%2C%22color%22%3A%22%23666%22%7D%7D%7D%7D%7D&w=520&h=180&bkg=white&f=12) |
|
Source: Freddie Mac PMMS & Optimal Blue via FRED
Rates shown are national averages and are provided for informational purposes only. Actual rates vary based on credit profile, loan amount, and market conditions. Please contact us for a personalized rate quote.
|
|
|
|
Refinancing Basics
When refinancing makes sense for your situation
Refinancing isn't one-size-fits-all, but it's worth understanding when it might work in your favor. The main reasons people refinance are to lower their monthly payment, shorten their loan term, switch from an adjustable to a fixed rate, or tap into home equity for a major expense. The catch is that refinancing comes with costs—closing costs, appraisal fees, and time. So it only makes sense if the benefit outweighs what you'll pay upfront. I always tell clients to think long-term: if you're planning to stay in your home, the math is more likely to work out. If you're thinking about selling soon, refinancing might not be worth it. The best way to know is to run the numbers with someone who understands your specific loan and goals. If you're curious whether refinancing could help, I'd be happy to walk through your options without any pressure.
|
|
Tip of the Week
Schedule a plumber to inspect older homes for slow leaks — water damage is expensive and often hidden until it's serious.
|
|
Tips for Homeowners
Jumbo Loans: What They Are and How They Work
|
|
1.
|
A jumbo loan exceeds the conforming loan limit set by the FHFA — $766,550 in most areas for 2024, higher in designated high-cost markets. These loans can't be sold to Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac.
|
|
2.
|
Jumbo loans typically require stronger credit (often 700+), larger down payments (10–20%), and more cash reserves. Underwriting is more thorough and can take longer.
|
|
3.
|
Rates on jumbo loans are sometimes comparable to or even lower than conforming rates, depending on market conditions. Don't assume a jumbo loan means a worse deal — shop lenders.
|
|
|
Have questions about how any of this affects your mortgage or home purchase? We're here to help — reach out to the Jennifer Tewell team any time and we'll walk you through your options. |
|
|
You are receiving this from Jennifer Tewell. Unsubscribe
|
|