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Saturday, August 1, 2026 |
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Mortgage Market Update
Your credit score and what sellers can pay for
We've pulled together two stories this week that can directly affect your wallet — whether you're getting ready to apply for a mortgage or already in the thick of negotiating a home purchase. Both are practical, actionable, and worth a few minutes of your time.
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National Mortgage Rates · July 30, 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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Equity Check
Your home might be worth more than you think
If you bought your home a few years ago, or even just refinanced recently, there's a good chance you've built more equity than you realize. Equity is simply the difference between what your home is worth today and what you still owe on your mortgage. As home values have shifted and you've made payments, that number has likely grown. Why does this matter? Because equity can unlock real options—whether that's refinancing to better terms, tapping into a home equity line of credit for a major project, or just knowing you're building real wealth. The tricky part is that many homeowners never stop to check. If you'd like to get a realistic picture of your current equity position and what it might mean for your financial picture, I'd be happy to walk through it with you.
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Tip of the Week
Landscaping maintenance protects your home's value — overgrown yards are the number one curb appeal issue buyers notice.
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Tips for Homeowners
HOA Fees and How They Affect Your Mortgage
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HOA dues are included in your debt-to-income ratio calculation when you apply for a mortgage. High HOA fees reduce how much home you can qualify for.
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2.
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Before buying in an HOA, review the financials: reserve fund balance, any pending special assessments, and recent meeting minutes. A depleted reserve fund can mean a large unexpected charge.
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HOA dues are generally not tax-deductible for a primary residence. If the home is a rental property, dues may be deductible as a business expense.
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Smarter Mortgage Strategies
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Your credit score plays a huge role in the interest rate you'll get on a mortgage, and sometimes even whether you'll qualify at all. This guide walks through practical steps you can take right now to improve your score, avoid common pitfalls, and set yourself up for better loan options and pricing when you're ready to apply.
| Key takeaway: spending a few months improving your credit before applying for a mortgage can genuinely save you thousands in interest over the life of your loan. |
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Smarter Mortgage Strategies
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When you're negotiating a home purchase, you have more room to work with than just the sale price. Seller concessions and credits can cover closing costs, repairs, and other expenses — but each loan type has different limits on how much a seller can contribute. Knowing these rules helps you negotiate smarter.
| Key takeaway: understanding seller concessions can help you reduce your out-of-pocket costs at closing and improve your overall deal. |
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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
Cederholm Mortgage Advisors - Edge Home Finance · Unsubscribe
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