Stephanie Devlin · September 17, 2026

Why pre-approval matters before you shop

Mortgage Market Update

My Mortgage Company

Stephanie Devlin

Thursday, September 17, 2026

Why pre-approval matters before you shop

Hi there. Whether you're thinking about buying soon or just exploring your options, a solid pre-approval is where smart home buying starts.

National Mortgage Rates · September 10, 2026

Conventional 30-Year

6.76%

FHA 30-Year

6.82%

VA 30-Year

6.71%

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.


Buyer Strategy

Getting a mortgage pre-approval right

A pre-approval letter isn't just paperwork—it's proof to sellers that you can actually close on an offer, and it gives you a clear picture of what you can afford before you start house hunting. The process is straightforward: we review your finances, pull your credit, and verify your income. You'll know your budget, and you'll shop with confidence instead of falling in love with homes outside your reach. If your situation has changed since you last looked—job, income, credit, or down payment savings—it's worth getting a fresh pre-approval. The market moves, your finances evolve, and what made sense last year might look different today.

Let's talk about getting you pre-approved or updating your existing approval.

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 My Mortgage Company team any time and we'll walk you through your options.

Your Mortgage Advisor

M

My Mortgage Company

Stephanie Devlin

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