Erez Shimoni · September 16, 2026

Mortgage Rates Are Likely to Stay High as Fed Hikes Rates and ...

Mortgage Market Update

Erez Shimoni

Erez Shimoni

Wednesday, September 16, 2026

Mortgage Rates Are Likely to Stay High as Fed Hikes Rates and ...

Welcome to your mortgage market update from Erez Shimoni for Wednesday, September 16, 2026. This week we've rounded up the latest news from Redfin and HousingWire and Mortgage News Daily and The Close 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

6.76%

FHA 30-Year

6.82%

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 →

Debt and Mortgages

Why your other debts matter when you apply

One thing that surprises a lot of borrowers is how much weight we give to credit cards, car loans, student loans, and other debts when we review a mortgage application. It's not just about whether you pay them—it's about how much you owe relative to your income. A high balance on a credit card, even one you pay on time, can reduce how much house you qualify for. The same goes for other monthly obligations. The good news is that paying down debt before you apply isn't just smart for your mortgage approval—it strengthens your financial position overall. If you're thinking about buying or refinancing soon, I'd recommend taking a closer look at what you owe beyond your mortgage.

Let's talk about your full financial picture and what it means for your next move.

Tip of the Week

Gift funds from family can be used toward a down payment on most loan types — your lender will need a simple gift letter.

Tips for Homeowners

VA Loans: Benefits Every Veteran Should Know

1.

VA loans require no down payment and no private mortgage insurance (PMI), making them one of the most powerful home-buying tools available to eligible veterans, active-duty service members, and surviving spouses.

2.

VA loans do require a funding fee (typically 1.25%–3.3% of the loan amount), which can be rolled into the loan. Veterans with a service-connected disability rating may be exempt from this fee.

3.

There's no VA loan limit for eligible borrowers with full entitlement — you can finance as much as a lender will approve. If you've had a prior VA loan, partial entitlement rules may apply.

Redfin

Mortgage Rates Are Likely to Stay High as Fed Hikes Rates and Signals More to Come

Click the link below to read the full article.

Key takeaway: Mortgage Rates Are Likely to Stay High as Fed Hikes Rates and Signals More to Come
Read full article →

HousingWire

The Fed rate-hike cycle has started. What’s next?

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 →

Mortgage News Daily

Existing Home Sales Dip Below 4 Million as Inventory Builds

Existing-home sales slipped in August, falling below the 4 million annualized pace for the first time since June 2025, while a sharp increase in inventory gave buyers more options and pushed the supply of homes to its highest level in more than a decade. The National Association of REALTORS® reported a 2.0% decline in sales from July to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 3.98 million , while sal

Key takeaway: Existing-home sales slipped in August, falling below the 4 million annualized pace for the first time since June 2025, while a sharp increase in inventory gave buyers more options and pushed the supply of homes to its highest level in more than a decade.
Read full article →

The Close

Gen Z Agents Are Turning Listing Tours Into TikTok Skits

Gen Z agents are turning listing tours into TikTok skits, mixing comedy, pop culture, and short-form video to market homes and stand out online. The post Gen Z Agents Are Turning Listing Tours Into TikTok Skits appeared first on The Close .

Key takeaway: Gen Z agents are turning listing tours into TikTok skits, mixing comedy, pop culture, and short-form video to market homes and stand out online.
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 Erez Shimoni team any time and we'll walk you through your options.

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Your Mortgage Advisor

Erez Shimoni

Erez Shimoni

Erez Shimoni

eshimoni@petracephas.com

908-705-5882

908-705-5882  |  www.applywitherez.com

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