Mortgage Market Update

Alicia Kirby

Thursday, September 17, 2026

Are you sure about your budget?

Hi there, There's a difference between what you *can* borrow and what makes sense for your life. Let's talk about the gap.

National Mortgage Rates · September 10, 2026

Conventional 30-Year

6.76%

FHA 30-Year

6.82%

VA 30-Year

6.71%

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.

Affordability Check

Your budget may have more room than you think

When rates move or your financial situation changes, your purchasing power shifts too. A lot of people assume they're locked into whatever budget they calculated months ago—but that's not how it works. Whether you're early in your home search or thinking about what you can actually afford, it's worth revisiting the numbers with fresh eyes. Your down payment, your income, your debt, and current rate environments all play a role in what you qualify for. Sometimes the picture improves; sometimes you need to adjust expectations. Either way, knowing where you actually stand beats guessing.

If you'd like to talk through what you can comfortably afford, I'm here to walk through it with you.

Tip of the Week

Replace weatherstripping around exterior doors every few years. It's one of the cheapest ways to improve energy efficiency.

Tips for Homeowners

USDA Loans: A Zero-Down Option for Rural Buyers

1.	USDA loans offer 100% financing (no down payment) for eligible properties in USDA-designated rural and suburban areas. The USDA's eligibility map may include areas closer to cities than you'd expect.

2.	USDA loans have income limits — typically 115% of the area median income. Both the property location and borrower income must qualify.

3.	There's an upfront guarantee fee (1% of the loan) and an annual fee (0.35% of the balance). These are lower than FHA mortgage insurance and can be rolled into the loan.

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

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