Keith Howell · September 3, 2026

Should you refinance right now?

Mortgage Market Update

Keith Howell

Keith Howell

Thursday, September 3, 2026

Should you refinance right now?

Hi there. This week I want to talk about one of the most common questions I hear from homeowners: whether now is a good time to refinance.

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.


Refinance Readiness

When refinancing makes sense for you

Refinancing isn't one-size-fits-all, and it's not always the right move. The decision depends on your situation: how long you plan to stay in your home, what your current rate and loan terms are, and where rates stand now. Sometimes a refinance saves money over time. Other times, the costs don't justify the benefit. I help borrowers run the actual numbers so you can make a decision based on facts, not guesswork. If you've been thinking about refinancing but weren't sure, this is a good time to talk it through. I can show you what the real impact would be for your specific loan.

Let's walk through whether refinancing fits your goals.

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 Keith Howell team any time and we'll walk you through your options.

Your Mortgage Advisor

K

Keith Howell

Keith Howell

khowell@barrettfinancial.com

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