The Dendy Team · November 6, 2026

Builder confidence hits 14-year low—what it means for you

Mortgage Market Update

The Dendy Team

The Dendy Team

Friday, November 6, 2026

Builder confidence hits 14-year low—what it means for you

This week brought some sobering news about the housing market's direction, but understanding what's happening behind the scenes helps you make smarter decisions. Here are the stories that matter most to your wallet and timeline.

National Mortgage Rates · November 5, 2026

Conventional 30-Year

6.68%

FHA 30-Year

6.15%

VA 30-Year

6.01%

Rate trend

Source: Optimal Blue daily mortgage indices via FRED · 30-yr: Freddie Mac weekly survey · Includes our pricing adjustment

Rates shown are national mortgage index rates plus our pricing adjustment, 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.

Check My Rate →

Loan Programs

Why your neighbor's mortgage deal might not be yours

One of the biggest misconceptions I run into is that mortgage programs are one-size-fits-all. They're not. Your credit profile, income stability, down payment size, and how long you plan to stay in a home all shape which loan programs actually make sense for you. Someone with strong credit and a solid down payment may qualify for options that aren't available to someone earlier in their financial journey—and vice versa. The program that works beautifully for your neighbor could carry trade-offs that don't align with your situation. That's why it pays to have a real conversation about what you're working with, not just what you're hearing from someone else's story.

Let's talk through which programs fit your actual financial picture.

Tip of the Week

Closing costs typically run 2-5% of the loan amount. Ask your lender for a Loan Estimate so there are no surprises.

Tips for Homeowners

Protecting Yourself from Mortgage Scams

1.

Wire fraud is one of the fastest-growing real estate scams. Never wire closing funds based solely on email instructions — always verify account numbers by calling your title company at a number you look up yourself.

2.

Loan modification and foreclosure rescue scams target homeowners in distress. Legitimate help is available free through HUD-approved counseling agencies at 800-569-4287.

3.

Be wary of unsolicited offers to refinance or cash out equity at terms that sound unusually favorable. If someone contacts you out of the blue, verify their NMLS license number at nmlsconsumeraccess.org.

Mortgage News Daily

Builder confidence sinks to lowest level in 14 years

Home builders are increasingly pessimistic about the market, with their confidence index dropping to levels not seen since 2012. Higher mortgage rates, rising construction costs, and difficulty finding labor and land are all squeezing builders' ability to build affordably. This slowdown could mean fewer new homes coming to market, which may affect your options depending on whether you're buying or selling.

Key takeaway: Reduced new construction could keep home supply tight and prices elevated, making it even more important to lock in your rate if you're planning to buy soon.
Read full article →

Mortgage News Daily

Home price growth barely holding on in August

Home prices inched up only 0.3% from July to August, and annual appreciation has slowed to just 2.4% nationwide. While this might sound like good news compared to the rapid gains of recent years, the growth is still outpacing wage increases for most buyers. Different regions are seeing very different trends, so where you live matters a lot right now.

Key takeaway: Slower price growth is a relief after years of double-digit appreciation, but it also signals market softening that could shift negotiating power back to buyers.
Read full article →

Mortgage News Daily

New home sales hold their ground in September

Sales of newly built homes stayed nearly flat month-over-month, following the stronger activity seen in August. This stability suggests that despite builder pessimism, there's still underlying buyer interest—though at a slower pace than the market experienced before interest rates began climbing. The inventory of new homes available for sale remains modest.

Key takeaway: Stable new home sales alongside low inventory mean if you're interested in a new construction home, acting sooner rather than later could give you more leverage and better selection.
Read full article →

Mortgage News Daily

Housing starts decline while permits show mixed signals

New residential construction weakened in September, with housing starts dropping and single-family building permits pulling back. Completions edged slightly higher, which means some homes already under construction are finishing, but fewer new projects are breaking ground. This slowdown in new building adds to the supply crunch affecting the broader market.

Key takeaway: Fewer homes being started today means even tighter housing inventory over the coming year, which could limit your choices whether you're buying now or looking ahead.
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 The Dendy Team team any time and we'll walk you through your options.

Book a Call

Your Mortgage Advisor

T

The Dendy Team

The Dendy Team

michael.dendy@gmail.com

6154996335

f
ig
in
X
▶
↗

230 Franklin Road, Bldg 2, Franklin, Tennessee, 37064

6154996335  |  michaeldendy.com

You are receiving this from The Dendy Team.  Unsubscribe