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Thursday, September 3, 2026 |
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A Note From Joseph Brown
Weekly Market Update
Hello,
Welcome to this week's Mortgage Market Update!
Whether you're thinking about buying a home, refinancing, or simply keeping an eye on the market, staying informed can help you make better financial decisions.
This week, we're watching:
Current mortgage rate trends
Housing market activity
Economic news that may impact interest rates
Opportunities for first-time homebuyers and move-up buyers
Available down payment assistance programs
Mortgage rates can change daily, and even small movements can affect your purchasing power and monthly payment. If you're considering buying a home in the coming months, now is a great time to review your options and develop a strategy.
If you have questions about financing, credit improvement, down payment assistance, FHA, VA, Conventional, DSCR, or other loan programs, I'm here to help.
Feel free to reach out for a personalized mortgage review or pre-approval consultation.
Have a great week!
Joseph C. Brown
Mortgage Loan Originator
Empire Financial Group
Phone: 786-342-8999
Email: jbrown@mpirefi.com
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Mortgage Market Update
Your credit score and your mortgage rate
Hi there, I hope you're having a good week. Today I want to cover something that affects nearly every borrower—and it's easier to manage than most people realize.
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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 Borrowing
Why your credit score matters more than you think
Your credit score isn't just a number—it's one of the biggest factors lenders look at when deciding whether to approve your loan and what rate to offer you. Even small differences in your score can add up to real money over the life of a mortgage. The good news is that credit improvement is something you can control. Paying bills on time, keeping credit card balances low, and avoiding new debt before applying are all proven moves that can help. If you're thinking about buying or refinancing soon, it's worth taking an honest look at your credit health now. I'm happy to walk through what lenders typically see and what steps might help you get the best terms possible.
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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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Have questions about how any of this affects your mortgage or home purchase? We're here to help — reach out to the Joseph Brown team any time and we'll walk you through your options.
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Mpire Financial · Unsubscribe
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