|
Mortgage Market Update
Denise Marquez
Denise Marquez
Thursday, September 3, 2026
|
Winter weather shifts and renovation costs to know |
|
Hi there—this week we're looking at how changing weather patterns might affect your home, plus some practical renovation wisdom that could save you thousands. Here's what matters to your wallet.
|
|
National Mortgage Rates · August 27, 2026
|
%22%2C%22fill%22%3Atrue%2C%22tension%22%3A0.4%2C%22pointRadius%22%3A4%2C%22pointBackgroundColor%22%3A%22%233b5bdb%22%2C%22borderWidth%22%3A2%7D%5D%7D%2C%22options%22%3A%7B%22plugins%22%3A%7B%22legend%22%3A%7B%22display%22%3Afalse%7D%7D%2C%22scales%22%3A%7B%22y%22%3A%7B%22ticks%22%3A%7B%22callback%22%3A%22function(v)%7Breturn%20v%2B%5C%22%25%5C%22%7D%22%2C%22color%22%3A%22%23666%22%7D%2C%22grid%22%3A%7B%22color%22%3A%22rgba(0%2C0%2C0%2C0.06)%22%7D%7D%2C%22x%22%3A%7B%22grid%22%3A%7B%22display%22%3Afalse%7D%2C%22ticks%22%3A%7B%22font%22%3A%7B%22size%22%3A11%7D%2C%22color%22%3A%22%23666%22%7D%7D%7D%7D%7D&w=520&h=180&bkg=white&f=12) |
|
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.
|
| |
|
|
Payment Planning
Why your mortgage payment might change (and when)
One question I hear often: 'Will my payment stay the same?' The answer depends on what kind of loan you have. If you've locked in a fixed-rate mortgage, your principal and interest payment won't budge for the life of the loan—that's the security of fixed-rate borrowing. But other costs tied to your mortgage can shift. Property taxes may increase, homeowners insurance premiums adjust, and if you're in escrow, those changes flow into your monthly payment. Understanding what's fixed and what can move helps you budget with confidence and spot changes before they happen.
|
|
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.
|
|
|
Realtor.com
The UN has classified the current El Niño as unusually strong, and forecasters predict this winter will look quite different from recent years. If you're thinking about home maintenance, repairs, or upgrades, understanding what weather patterns your region might face could help you plan and budget accordingly.
| Key takeaway: Check your region's winter forecast now so you can prepare your home's heating, insulation, and drainage before cold weather arrives. |
Read full article →
|
|
Realtor.com
Most costly renovation mistakes happen before a single nail is driven—usually because homeowners and contractors haven't aligned on expectations, timelines, or budget details. A conversation upfront can prevent thousands of dollars in overruns and do-overs.
| Key takeaway: Nail down scope, timeline, payment schedule, and contingency plans with your contractor in writing before work begins. |
Read full article →
|
|
Realtor.com
Some California condo owners are facing unexpected HOA fees hitting $26,000, a shock that can derail finances and catch buyers off guard. If you own a condo or are considering buying one, understanding reserve fees and special assessments is critical.
| Key takeaway: Always request the HOA's reserve study and ask about pending assessments before buying a condo. |
Read full article →
|
|
Realtor.com
Higher mortgage rates have put the brakes on a streak of housing market growth, with fewer homes selling and more time on the market. This shift changes the dynamics for both buyers and sellers, and it's worth understanding where rates are headed.
| Key takeaway: If you've been waiting on the sidelines, slowing demand and longer listing times could give you more negotiating power as a buyer. |
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 Denise Marquez team any time and we'll walk you through your options. |
|
|
|
808 RT 15 S, Lake Hopatcong, NJ 07849
201-456-7475 | https://www.dm-mtg.com/
You are receiving this from Denise Marquez. Unsubscribe
|
|
