Wednesday, August 19, 2026

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

Mortgage Market Update

Does refinancing make sense right now?

Hi—sometimes the best financial move is knowing when not to make one. This week I'm breaking down how to think about refinancing.

National Mortgage Rates · August 13, 2026

30-Year Fixed

6.67%

FHA 30-Year

6.47%

VA 30-Year

6.33%

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.

Check My Rate →

Refinance Strategy

When refinancing makes financial sense

Refinancing isn't always the right move—it depends on your specific situation. The math has to work: you need to stay in your home long enough to recoup closing costs through your monthly savings, and the new rate and terms should meaningfully improve your position. Some people refinance to lower their payment, others to shorten their loan term or tap equity for a big expense. The key is understanding what you're trying to accomplish and whether the numbers support it. If you're wondering whether it might make sense for you, I'd love to walk through the details together.

Reach out and let's talk through whether refinancing could work for your goals.

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.

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.

Book a Call

Your Mortgage Advisor

Joseph Brown

Mpire Financial

jbrown@mpirefi.com

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