The Dendy Team · August 1, 2026

New home sales rebounding, but affordability still tough

Mortgage Market Update

The Dendy Team

The Dendy Team

Saturday, August 1, 2026

New home sales rebounding, but affordability still tough

This week brought some mixed signals from the housing market. We're seeing construction pick up and new home sales recover, but affordability challenges and high mortgage rates continue to squeeze many buyers.

National Mortgage Rates · July 30, 2026

30-Year Fixed

6.16%

FHA 30-Year

5.68%

VA 30-Year

5.50%

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.

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Equity Check

Do you know how much equity you've built?

If you've been paying your mortgage for a few years, you're likely sitting on more equity than you realize. Equity is the difference between what your home is worth today and what you still owe on it—and it can be one of your most valuable financial assets.

Why does this matter? Life happens. Whether you're facing an unexpected expense, thinking about upgrading, or considering a second property, knowing your equity gives you real options. You might be able to tap into it through a refinance or a home equity line of credit. The first step is simple: get a rough idea of your home's current value and pull your loan balance from your latest statement. If the gap looks meaningful, it's worth talking through your options with me. I can help you figure out what that equity is actually worth to you.

Reach out and let's talk about what your equity could do for you.

Tip of the Week

Landscaping maintenance protects your home's value — overgrown yards are the number one curb appeal issue buyers notice.

Tips for Homeowners

HOA Fees and How They Affect Your Mortgage

1.

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.

2.

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.

3.

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.

Mortgage News Daily

New home sales bounce back in June

New home sales rose modestly in June after a dip in May, climbing to an annual rate of 628,000 homes. While the rebound is encouraging, sales remain about 5.6% lower than a year ago, reflecting how elevated mortgage rates and tight affordability continue to hold back buyer demand.

Key takeaway: The market is stabilizing, but don't expect a sudden surge in buyer activity until rates or affordability improve.
Read full article →

Mortgage News Daily

Construction rebounds after a soft May

Housing starts jumped sharply in June as builders shook off last month's unusual weakness, signaling cautious optimism about construction. Building permits, however, remain on a downward trend, suggesting builders are still hesitant about committing to future projects.

Key takeaway: More homes being built is good for inventory, but the slowdown in permits hints that builders expect demand challenges ahead.
Read full article →

Mortgage News Daily

Fewer signed contracts as buyers step back

Pending home sales fell 5.4% in June and are nearly flat compared to a year ago, according to the National Association of Realtors. The slowdown reflects the same affordability squeeze that's been plaguing buyers—high prices and higher mortgage rates make it harder to qualify.

Key takeaway: Fewer pending sales now often means fewer closings in the coming months, so this trend is worth watching.
Read full article →

Mortgage News Daily

Home prices creeping up, but growth still modest

Home price appreciation ticked slightly higher in May, though the gains remain well below the inflation rate. The uneven regional performance shows that where you live matters a lot right now—some markets are thriving while others are struggling.

Key takeaway: If you're thinking about buying or selling, location-specific trends matter more than ever in this fragmented market.
Read full article →

Have questions about how any of this affects your mortgage or home purchase? We're here to help — reach out to the The Dendy Team team any time and we'll walk you through your options.

Book a Call

Your Mortgage Advisor

T

The Dendy Team

The Dendy Team

michael.dendy@gmail.com

6154996335

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