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Mortgage Market Update
Chris George
Chris George
Saturday, August 1, 2026
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Mortgage rates jump as Fed signals more hikes ahead |
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This week brought some sobering news on the rate front, along with insights into where the housing market is headed in different parts of the country. Here's what matters for your wallet.
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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 Building
How much equity are you sitting on right now?
Every mortgage payment you make builds equity in your home — that's the difference between what your house is worth and what you still owe on it. Over time, this equity becomes real wealth you can tap into if you need it. The longer you've owned your home, the more you've likely built up. If you haven't checked your home's current value in a while, it might surprise you. Rising or stable home values in many markets mean homeowners today have more equity available than they realize. Whether you're thinking about a future renovation, education costs, or just want to know where you stand, understanding your equity is a smart first step. I'd be happy to give you a quick sense of what you might have available.
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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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3.
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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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HousingWire
Mortgage rates jumped to 6.83% this week as Federal Reserve officials signaled they may raise interest rates multiple times. The 10-year Treasury yield hit 4.74%, which is a key driver of mortgage rates. If you've been on the fence about refinancing or locking in a rate, this trend is worth monitoring closely.
| Key takeaway: if you're planning to buy or refinance soon, rising rate signals from the Fed suggest waiting may cost you more — locking in sooner rather than later could save thousands over the life of your loan. |
Read full article →
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HousingWire
While price cuts are spreading across the country (affecting over 40% of listings nationally), some AI-hub cities like San Francisco are holding their ground and resisting downward pressure. This shows that your local market matters far more than national headlines when it comes to home values and buying strategy.
| Key takeaway: if you're shopping in a resilient market, you may face stiffer competition and fewer discounts — but in softening areas, this is your window to negotiate. |
Read full article →
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HousingWire
Federal regulators proposed changes to the Community Reinvestment Act that will narrow how banks can earn credit for community development lending. The rules also raise asset thresholds for smaller banks, which could reshape lending practices and availability in some communities.
| Key takeaway: depending on where you bank and what size institution holds your mortgage, these regulatory changes may eventually affect loan availability or terms in your area — worth keeping an eye on. |
Read full article →
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HousingWire
As AI tools become standard for all agents, polished listing descriptions and pitch decks no longer tell you who's actually skilled. Smart sellers are now looking at an agent's pricing strategy, how they target the right buyers, and their contingency planning to separate real expertise from marketing fluff.
| Key takeaway: when you interview agents, ask about their approach to pricing and buyer targeting rather than relying on their marketing materials — that's where the real talent shows. |
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 Chris George team any time and we'll walk you through your options. |
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2701 E Insight Way, Suite 150, Chandler, AZ, 85286
615-422-4705 | https://www.cgmtgteam.com
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