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Mortgage Market Update
Scott Munds
Promise Home Loans
Saturday, August 1, 2026
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Home prices are moving again — here's what it means |
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A Note From Scott Munds
A Quick Note from Scott
Thanks for staying connected. I appreciate being able to keep you informed and be a resource whenever you need one. My goal is simple: provide helpful information and keep you informed about the market.
Whether you're thinking about buying, refinancing, or simply keeping an eye on the market, I'm always here as a resource. I appreciate your trust, your referrals, and the opportunity to be part of your journey — Scott
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After months of doom-and-gloom headlines about crashing prices, we're seeing some real shifts in the market. Here's what's actually happening and how it affects 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 Check
How much equity are you actually sitting on?
If you bought a few years ago or made extra payments, there's a good chance your home is worth more than what you owe. That equity is real money—it's just locked up in your property. Knowing your number matters because it opens doors: you might qualify for a cash-out refinance to pay off debt, fund repairs, or cover other expenses. You could also tap it for a home equity line of credit or loan if you need flexibility. Even if you're not ready to use it, understanding your position helps you make smarter financial decisions down the road. The first step is simple—a quick conversation can give you a clear picture of where you stand.
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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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1.
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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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Keeping Current Matters
For over a year, the talk has been all about home prices falling. But the latest numbers suggest that trend might be reversing — price growth appears to be picking back up. This matters because if prices are stabilizing or rising, it affects when you should buy, sell, or refinance.
| Key takeaway: if you've been waiting for prices to crash, that window may be closing — now is worth tracking the market closely for your situation. |
Read full article →
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Mortgage News Daily
New home sales picked up a bit in June after dropping the month before, though they're still lower than last year. Buyers are still dealing with high mortgage rates and affordability challenges, which means builders aren't rushing to start projects. Modest improvement is a sign the market is finding its footing, but don't expect a boom yet.
| Key takeaway: the market is stabilizing rather than surging, which means patience still pays off for buyers shopping around. |
Read full article →
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Keeping Current Matters
When you're focused on mortgage rates and home prices, it's easy to forget about homeowners insurance — but it's a real cost that adds to your monthly payment. Understanding insurance costs upfront helps you avoid surprises and budget more accurately for homeownership.
| Key takeaway: factor insurance into your total affordability calculation, not just your mortgage payment. |
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 Scott Munds team any time and we'll walk you through your options. |
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5 Centerpointe Dr #400 Lake Oswego OR 97035
(503) 969-9929 | https://scottmunds.com/
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