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Wednesday, August 19, 2026 |
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Mortgage Market Update
Credit boost + seller deals: negotiate smarter
This week we're sharing two stories that can put real money back in your pocket—whether you're preparing to apply or already in the thick of negotiations.
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National Mortgage Rates · August 13, 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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Mortgage Basics
Why your monthly payment might change even if rates don't
Your mortgage payment is built from more than just interest. Property taxes, homeowners insurance, and mortgage insurance (if you put down less than 20%) all roll into that number you see each month. The tricky part: some of these can shift over time, even when interest rates stay flat. A tax reassessment, a policy renewal, or changes to your insurance coverage can quietly increase what you owe. Knowing what makes up your payment helps you spot these changes early and decide if refinancing or other moves make sense for your situation. It's worth a conversation if you've noticed your payment creeping up.
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Tip of the Week
Inspect your attic insulation. Proper insulation reduces heating and cooling costs and can prevent ice dams on your roof.
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Tips for Homeowners
Fall Home Prep: Heating, Safety & Systems
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Have your heating system serviced before it's needed. A furnace failure in winter is an emergency — routine maintenance costs far less than emergency repairs.
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Test smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors and replace batteries. Carbon monoxide poisoning risk rises when heating systems run more frequently.
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Drain and shut off exterior faucets and sprinkler systems before the first freeze to prevent burst pipes — one of the most expensive and disruptive homeowner emergencies.
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Smarter Mortgage Strategies
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Your credit score directly impacts which loans you qualify for and what interest rate you'll pay. These 10 practical steps help you fix problems, avoid common pitfalls, and position yourself for better loan options and stronger rate pricing before you submit an application.
| Key takeaway: even small improvements to your credit profile can translate to meaningfully lower rates over the life of your loan. |
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Smarter Mortgage Strategies
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Most buyers think negotiation stops at the sale price—but it doesn't. Seller concessions and credits can cover closing costs, inspections, repairs, and more, and each loan type (Conventional, FHA, VA, USDA) has different rules about what's allowed. Understanding these limits helps you ask for what you're actually entitled to.
| Key takeaway: knowing the maximum concessions allowed for your loan type gives you a realistic roadmap for what to request. |
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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 Paul Cederholm team any time and we'll walk you through your options.
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303-931-6798
Mortgage Broker | Cederholm Mortgage Advisors - Edge Home Finance · Unsubscribe
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