Mpire Financial · October 3, 2026

3 things hiding on your mortgage statement

 

Saturday, October 3, 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

3 things hiding on your mortgage statement

A two-minute look at your statement can catch PMI you no longer need or a payment change before it surprises you.

National Mortgage Rates · October 1, 2026

Conventional 30-Year

7.37%

FHA 30-Year

7.10%

VA 30-Year

7.00%

Rate trend

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 →

Smart Moves

Three Things to Check on Your Mortgage Statement Today

Your monthly mortgage statement holds more useful information than most people realize, and a two-minute review can save you money. First, check your escrow balance — if your property taxes or insurance changed, your payment may adjust, and surprises are easier to handle when you see them coming. Second, look at your principal balance and compare it to your home's current value; if you've crossed below 80% loan-to-value, you may be able to drop private mortgage insurance and lower your payment. Third, confirm your interest rate and loan type so you know whether a refinance could help. None of these take long, and each one is a chance to keep more money where it belongs. If anything looks off or you're not sure, send it my way and I'll walk you through it.

Not sure what your statement is telling you? Send it over and I'll break it down.

Tip of the Week

Consider a 15-year mortgage if the payment fits your budget — you'll pay significantly less in total interest.

Tips for Homeowners

How Lenders Verify Your Income

1.

W-2 employees typically provide two years of W-2s and 30 days of pay stubs. Lenders average your income over 24 months and use that figure — not your current salary if it's recently increased.

2.

Bonus, overtime, and commission income must have a 2-year history to be counted. If it's new, most lenders won't include it in qualifying income.

3.

Bank statements are reviewed for large deposits. Anything unusual must be explained and sourced — lenders are required to document where your funds come from.

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

J

Joseph Brown

Mpire Financial

jbrown@mpirefi.com

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