|
Mortgage Market Update
Erez Shimoni
Erez Shimoni
Wednesday, August 19, 2026
|
Home sales holding steady despite higher rates |
|
This week we're looking at what's actually happening in the housing market right now—and the news is more encouraging than you might expect. Here are the stories that matter most to your wallet.
|
|
National Mortgage Rates · August 13, 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.
|
| |
|
|
Smart Borrowing
When refinancing costs more than it saves
Not every refinance makes sense, even when rates move in your favor. The costs to close a new loan—appraisal, title, underwriting, and other fees—add up quickly. If you plan to sell or move within a few years, those closing costs may never pay back through your monthly savings. I always run the math with clients to find the break-even point: how long you'd need to stay in the home for the refinance to be worth it. Sometimes the answer is "not yet." Other times, it's "absolutely." The key is knowing which one applies to you before you apply.
|
|
Tip of the Week
Inspect your attic insulation. Proper insulation reduces heating and cooling costs and can prevent ice dams on your roof.
|
|
Tips for Homeowners
Fall Home Prep: Heating, Safety & Systems
|
|
1.
|
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.
|
|
2.
|
Test smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors and replace batteries. Carbon monoxide poisoning risk rises when heating systems run more frequently.
|
|
3.
|
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.
|
|
|
Mortgage News Daily
Existing-home sales dipped slightly in July but remained stronger than a year ago, showing the market is holding up better than many feared. Even though mortgage rates have stayed elevated, buyers are still active—a sign that the market isn't falling apart despite affordability challenges.
| Key takeaway: if you've been waiting for a crash that never comes, remember that stable sales often mean stable prices, which protects the equity you're building. |
Read full article →
|
|
Mortgage News Daily
After a slowdown in May, new home sales climbed back up in June as builders worked to attract buyers with incentives. Sales are still below last year's levels, but the rebound shows demand hasn't disappeared—it's just become more selective.
| Key takeaway: builder incentives like rate buydowns can make new homes more affordable, so it's worth comparing new construction against existing homes in your market. |
Read full article →
|
|
The Close
When you're shopping for a mortgage, the interest rate isn't the whole story—the APR includes closing costs and fees that affect the real cost of your loan. Understanding the difference helps you compare offers fairly and avoid overpaying.
| Key takeaway: always compare APRs between lenders, not just interest rates, to see the true cost of each loan offer. |
Read full article →
|
|
Redfin
U.S. home prices barely budged in July, holding steady from the previous month. This stability is actually helpful—it means prices aren't spiking unpredictably and gives you more time to make thoughtful decisions about buying or selling.
| Key takeaway: when prices are flat, timing matters less than finding the right property at the right price for your situation. |
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 Erez Shimoni team any time and we'll walk you through your options. |
|
|
|
908-705-5882 | www.applywitherez.com
You are receiving this from Erez Shimoni. Unsubscribe
|
|
