|
Mortgage Market Update
Chris George
Chris George
Thursday, September 17, 2026
|
The Fed rate-hike cycle has started. What’s next? |
|
Welcome to your mortgage market update from Chris George for Thursday, September 17, 2026. This week we've rounded up the latest news from HousingWire so you have everything you need in one place. Read on for the stories that matter most to homebuyers and homeowners right now.
|
|
National Mortgage Rates · September 10, 2026
|
Conventional 30-Year
6.26%
|
|
| |
|
%22%2C%22fill%22%3Atrue%2C%22tension%22%3A0.4%2C%22pointRadius%22%3A4%2C%22pointBackgroundColor%22%3A%22%23152e63%22%2C%22borderWidth%22%3A2%7D%5D%7D%2C%22options%22%3A%7B%22plugins%22%3A%7B%22legend%22%3A%7B%22display%22%3Afalse%7D%7D%2C%22scales%22%3A%7B%22y%22%3A%7B%22ticks%22%3A%7B%22callback%22%3A%22function(v)%7Breturn%20v%2B%5C%22%25%5C%22%7D%22%2C%22color%22%3A%22%23666%22%7D%2C%22grid%22%3A%7B%22color%22%3A%22rgba(0%2C0%2C0%2C0.06)%22%7D%7D%2C%22x%22%3A%7B%22grid%22%3A%7B%22display%22%3Afalse%7D%2C%22ticks%22%3A%7B%22font%22%3A%7B%22size%22%3A11%7D%2C%22color%22%3A%22%23666%22%7D%7D%7D%7D%7D&w=520&h=180&bkg=white&f=12) |
|
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.
|
|
|
|
|
Rate Watch
What This Week's Rate Movement Means for Your Payment
Mortgage rates move a little almost every week, and small shifts add up to real dollars on your monthly payment. On a typical loan, even a quarter-point change can mean $50 or more a month — money that's better in your pocket. The good news: you don't have to time the market perfectly. What matters most is being ready, with your credit in good shape and your documents handy, so when a window opens we can move quickly. If you bought or refinanced in the last couple of years, it's worth a five-minute check to see whether today's rates could lower your payment. There's no obligation and no cost to run the numbers — just clarity on where you stand.
|
|
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.
|
|
|
HousingWire
Key factors for mortgage rates will be the Iran conflict and trade war, not just the economy
| Key takeaway: Key factors for mortgage rates will be the Iran conflict and trade war, not just the economy |
Read full article →
|
|
HousingWire
New listings and pending sales can offer an early look at whether buyer demand is losing ground
| Key takeaway: New listings and pending sales can offer an early look at whether buyer demand is losing ground |
Read full article →
|
|
HousingWire
Housing professionals said the psychological effect on homebuyers and sellers is immediate
| Key takeaway: Housing professionals said the psychological effect on homebuyers and sellers is immediate |
Read full article →
|
|
HousingWire
In September, two out of three homebuilders used incentives and 38% cut prices by 6% on average
| Key takeaway: In September, two out of three homebuilders used incentives and 38% cut prices by 6% on average |
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 Chris George team any time and we'll walk you through your options. |
|
|
|
2701 E Insight Way, Suite 150, Chandler, AZ, 85286
615-422-4705 | https://www.cgmtgteam.com
You are receiving this from Chris George. Unsubscribe
|