Holly L Bennett Clark · September 3, 2026

What your credit score really costs you

Mortgage Market Update

Holly L

Holly L Bennett Clark

Thursday, September 3, 2026

What your credit score really costs you

Hi there. I wanted to touch on something that often surprises people until they start the mortgage process.

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.


Debt & Borrowing

Your credit score matters more than you think

When you're ready to buy or refinance, lenders look at more than just your income—they look at how responsibly you've managed debt in the past. Your credit score is one of the biggest factors that determine whether you qualify and what terms you'll receive. Even small improvements to your score can make a real difference in your loan options. If you're thinking about a mortgage in the next year or so, it's worth taking a hard look at your credit now. I'm happy to walk you through what lenders see and what you might do to strengthen your position before you apply.

Let's talk about where your credit stands and what moves make sense for your situation.

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 Holly L team any time and we'll walk you through your options.

Your Mortgage Advisor

H

Holly L

Holly L Bennett Clark

holly@clarkmorelending.com

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