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Mortgage Market Update
Denise Marquez
Denise Marquez
Wednesday, August 19, 2026
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Why cash buyers matter less now, and what it means for you |
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This week we're looking at what's shifting in the housing market—from how sellers are thinking differently about offers, to the real insurance problem nobody talks about, to why some homeowners are choosing to stay put instead of move. Here's what matters for your wallet.
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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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Refinancing Basics
When refinancing actually makes sense
Refinancing isn't always the right move, even when rates look attractive. The real question is whether the long-term benefit outweighs what you'll pay upfront to close a new loan. Some borrowers break even in a few years; others never do. It depends on your timeline, your current loan balance, how long you plan to stay in the home, and what you're trying to accomplish—lower payments, faster payoff, or access to equity. If you've been wondering whether now is your moment, I can walk through the actual math with your specific situation. There's no one-size-fits-all answer, but there is a right answer for you.
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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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1.
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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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2.
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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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3.
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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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Realtor.com
All-cash offers used to be a seller's dream, but competition has cooled enough that sellers now care more about reliability than speed. That means financed offers with a solid preapproval letter are competitive again—good news if you're borrowing to buy.
| Key takeaway: your mortgage offer can be just as attractive to sellers right now as a cash deal, especially if your financing is locked in. |
Read full article →
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Realtor.com
Your homeowners insurance bill is climbing, but the bigger problem is that insurers are dropping coverage altogether, leaving homeowners scrambling for options. Nonrenewals are surging, meaning some people can't even find coverage at any price in their area.
| Key takeaway: start shopping for home insurance now and don't wait until renewal time, especially if you live in a high-risk state. |
Read full article →
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Realtor.com
In Michigan and beyond, homeowners are staying put and investing in upgrades rather than listing and buying somewhere else. Rising rates and home prices have made moving more expensive, so many are choosing to improve what they already have.
| Key takeaway: if moving feels out of reach financially, a smart remodel can be a better way to get the home you want without changing your mortgage. |
Read full article →
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Realtor.com
Mortgage rates climbed to their highest point in 2026 in July, and pending home sales pulled back as a result. Higher rates are slowing buyer activity, which could mean more homes sitting on the market.
| Key takeaway: watch your local market for more inventory and negotiating power if you're buying, but lock in your rate as soon as you find the right home. |
Read full article →
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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 Denise Marquez team any time and we'll walk you through your options. |
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808 RT 15 S, Lake Hopatcong, NJ 07849
201-456-7475 | https://www.dm-mtg.com/
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