|
Mortgage Market Update
Chris George
Chris George
Thursday, September 3, 2026
|
Why some housing markets are thriving (and others aren't) |
|
This week we're looking at what's really moving the needle on home prices and affordability. Here are the stories that matter most to your wallet.
|
|
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%23152e63%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.
|
| |
|
|
Rate Environment
Why your neighbor's rate isn't your rate
I hear it often: "My coworker just locked in X percent—why can't I get that?" The truth is that mortgage rates are personalized. Your credit profile, down payment, loan type, property details, and lender all factor into the offer you receive. Two borrowers applying on the same day can see different numbers based on their financial picture. Understanding this helps you focus on what you can control—a strong credit score, a solid down payment, and choosing the right loan structure for your situation. If you're curious about what you might qualify for, I'd love to walk through your specifics and show you what's possible.
|
|
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.
|
|
|
HousingWire
While Austin, Denver, and Phoenix are seeing home sales slip, Reno's housing market gained 2.1% year-over-year through July 2026. The difference offers a real lesson in which markets stay resilient when the overall trend heads south. If you're considering a move or investment, understanding what's working in Reno (and failing elsewhere) could shape your next decision.
| Key takeaway: not all hot markets are created equal—some have the fundamentals to hold up when others falter. |
Read full article →
|
|
HousingWire
More companies are offering down-payment loans and mortgage rate stipends to help employees buy homes, but the benefits fall flat if workers don't understand what they qualify for or when to use them. Many homebuyers are leaving money on the table simply because they don't know these programs exist or how they work. If your employer offers housing benefits, it's worth investigating what's available—the answer could save you thousands.
| Key takeaway: check with your HR department now to see if down-payment or rate assistance programs are sitting unused in your benefits package. |
Read full article →
|
|
HousingWire
Younger buyers are entering the mortgage market with different priorities and expectations than previous generations, and lenders are scrambling to understand what they want. This shift is reshaping everything from how mortgages are marketed to how loans are structured and serviced. If you're Gen Z yourself or wondering what the future of homebuying looks like, this story offers real insight into where the industry is headed.
| Key takeaway: Gen Z's expectations are pushing the mortgage industry to adapt faster than it ever has before. |
Read full article →
|
|
HousingWire
Politicians who championed housing reform won their recent races by huge margins, signaling strong public support for making it easier to build homes and increase supply. While local governments continue to push back, the momentum from voters suggests zoning changes could accelerate in the coming years. More housing supply means more choices and potentially better prices for buyers—making this political shift worth watching.
| Key takeaway: voter support for zoning reform could translate into more homes on the market and better affordability down the line. |
Read full article →
|
|
Have questions about how any of this affects your mortgage or home purchase? We're here to help — reach out to the Chris George team any time and we'll walk you through your options. |
|
|
|
2701 E Insight Way, Suite 150, Chandler, AZ, 85286
615-422-4705 | https://www.cgmtgteam.com
You are receiving this from Chris George. Unsubscribe
|
|
