E3 Home Loans · September 3, 2026

Your credit score could be costing you money

Mortgage Market Update

Chris Ristau

E3 Home Loans

Thursday, September 3, 2026

Your credit score could be costing you money

Hi there. Every borrower's situation is unique, and one of the biggest variables in your mortgage story is your credit history.

National Mortgage Rates · August 27, 2026

30-Year Fixed

6.66%

FHA 30-Year

6.56%

VA 30-Year

6.40%

Rate trend

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.


Smart Money

Why your credit score matters more than you think

Your credit score isn't just a number—it's one of the biggest factors that determines what interest rate you'll pay on a mortgage. Even a small difference in your rate can mean tens of thousands of dollars over the life of a loan. If your score has taken a hit, or if you're not sure where you stand, now is a good time to pull your report and look for anything you can improve before you apply. Small moves—like paying down existing balances or fixing reporting errors—can make a real difference. I'd love to walk you through what lenders see and what you can do to strengthen your position.

Reach out, and let's talk about where your credit stands and what opportunities might be available to you.

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 Chris Ristau team any time and we'll walk you through your options.

Your Mortgage Advisor

C

Chris Ristau

E3 Home Loans

team@e3loans.com

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