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Mortgage Market Update
Erez Shimoni
Erez Shimoni
Thursday, September 3, 2026
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New homes are back in stock — but affordability is still tight |
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This week brought mixed signals from the housing market: builders are adding inventory, but sales are struggling. Here's what it means for your wallet and timing.
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National Mortgage Rates · August 27, 2026
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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.
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Smart Timing
The case for locking in when rates dip
Rate movements can feel random, but they follow real economic signals. When rates drop—even slightly—it creates a window of opportunity for borrowers who've been waiting or thinking about refinancing. The longer you wait, the less predictable the direction becomes. If you're on the fence about your current mortgage, a dip in rates is exactly when it makes sense to run the numbers. Even small rate improvements can add up to meaningful savings over the life of your loan. The key is acting decisively rather than hoping for a better deal that may never come.
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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.
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Tips for Homeowners
Jumbo Loans: What They Are and How They Work
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1.
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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.
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2.
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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.
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3.
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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.
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Mortgage News Daily
After a strong June, new home sales dropped sharply in July as builders added more inventory to their lots. Buyers are still being held back by affordability challenges and higher mortgage rates. This shift could give you more options to choose from, but it's not enough yet to ease the cost of buying.
| Key takeaway: more homes on the market is progress, but rising inventory alone won't solve affordability—rates and prices still matter most. |
Read full article →
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Redfin
For the first time since 2020, homebuyers are seeing a meaningful increase in available homes to choose from. This inventory boost is a welcome shift after years of ultra-competitive, low-stock markets. More options mean less pressure to overpay or rush into a purchase.
| Key takeaway: you have genuine negotiating power again—take your time and don't feel forced into a deal. |
Read full article →
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Mortgage News Daily
Home prices are still rising, but the momentum has cooled compared to earlier this year. More importantly, different regions are moving in different directions—some cities are appreciating much faster than others. Where you live (or are thinking of moving) will make a big difference in your equity growth.
| Key takeaway: the national picture masks real differences between markets, so focus on what's happening in your specific area rather than national headlines. |
Read full article →
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Mortgage News Daily
Construction activity dropped in July as builders slowed starts, but they pulled more building permits, which is a sign they're preparing for stronger activity ahead. This suggests confidence is returning, even if it's not showing up in starts just yet. More construction means more homes hitting the market in the coming months.
| Key takeaway: expect inventory to keep growing over the next few months as permitted homes move toward completion. |
Read full article →
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Have questions about how any of this affects your mortgage or home purchase? We're here to help — reach out to the Erez Shimoni team any time and we'll walk you through your options. |
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908-705-5882 | www.applywitherez.com
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