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Mortgage Market Update
Denise Marquez
Denise Marquez
Sunday, August 2, 2026
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What buyers need to know about smart cameras in homes |
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We found some stories this week that directly affect your home search and what happens when you're looking at properties. Here's what matters to your wallet and peace of mind.
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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
Your home is working for you—here's how to measure it
Every mortgage payment you make builds equity—the difference between what your home is worth and what you owe on it. Over time, that equity becomes real wealth you can tap into for major expenses, a new purchase, or just financial peace of mind. The tricky part is knowing where you stand. Your home's value fluctuates with the market, and your loan balance drops with each payment, so your equity picture changes constantly. Understanding your equity now helps you make smarter decisions later—whether that's refinancing, borrowing against your home, or simply knowing your net worth. I'd love to sit down with you and walk through your equity position so you know exactly what you've built.
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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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Realtor.com
Some sellers are leaving smart security cameras running while buyers tour their homes, capturing conversations and potentially eavesdropping on what you really think about the property. This practice is raising serious concerns about privacy during the showing process and could affect your comfort level when viewing homes.
| Key takeaway: Ask your agent to confirm all recording devices are disabled before you tour a home, and be aware that what you say during a showing might not be private. |
Read full article →
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Realtor.com
A Colorado foreclosure priced at $215,000 has gone viral because the listing requires buyers to purchase it sight-unseen and accept that an occupant will remain in the home. This unusual situation highlights how foreclosures can come with complications that affect your ability to inspect and take possession of the property.
| Key takeaway: Always ask detailed questions about occupancy rights and inspection access before bidding on any foreclosure, as standard buyer protections may not apply. |
Read full article →
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Realtor.com
A state report identified over 2,500 Florida condos showing signs of structural damage, a concern that affects both current owners and buyers considering condo purchases. This adds to the ongoing conversation about building safety and the importance of thorough inspections in the condo market.
| Key takeaway: If you're buying a condo in Florida, request a professional structural inspection and ask for the building's recent safety reports before committing to a purchase. |
Read full article →
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Realtor.com
A 32-year-old woman purchased an abandoned storefront for $23,000 and is renovating it into her dream home, proving that creative buyers can find affordable opportunities in unexpected places. Her story shows how thinking outside the box—and being willing to put in renovation work—can lead to homeownership on a tight budget.
| Key takeaway: If you're priced out of traditional homes, properties like abandoned commercial buildings or fixer-uppers can offer a path to ownership if you have the time, skills, and willingness to invest in renovation. |
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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