|
Mortgage Market Update
Jennifer Clemens
Clemens Mortgage Group, LLC
Thursday, August 20, 2026
|
Which loan program is right for you? |
|
A Note From Jennifer Clemens
Happy Friday! 😎
Mortgage rates saw some pressure this week as markets reacted to ongoing global tensions and economic uncertainty. This afternoon, bond markets sold off after the Trump/Xi summit wrapped up with little progress toward easing concerns overseas, pushing Treasury yields to their highest levels since May 2025.
Temporary rate buy-downs continue to be a hot topic and help buyer's ease into their mortgage payment. Seller concessions, rate buy downs, bridge loans and strategy conversations can make a huge difference.
Also - We can now offer VantageScore options on certain loan programs in addition to traditional FICO scoring. This could be a game changer for some buyers and may even help save deals that previously may not have qualified. 🙌
If you need help running numbers or navigating a tricky scenario, I’m always just a text away!
|
Hi there. This week I want to cover something that gets overlooked a lot: the loan program itself, not just the rate.
|
|
National Mortgage Rates · August 13, 2026
|
%22%2C%22fill%22%3Atrue%2C%22tension%22%3A0.4%2C%22pointRadius%22%3A4%2C%22pointBackgroundColor%22%3A%22%231e88a8%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.
|
| |
|
|
Loan Programs
Not all mortgages work the same way
When you're ready to buy or refinance, the loan program you choose shapes your whole financial picture—not just your rate, but your flexibility, your costs, and how long you're locked in. Some programs reward you for staying longer. Others work better if you know you'll move in a few years. Some have built-in protections; others give you more freedom to customize. The right choice depends on your plans, your comfort level, and what matters most to you right now. That's why I never assume everyone needs the same solution. If you'd like to talk through which program might actually fit your life, I'm here to walk you through the real differences.
|
|
Tip of the Week
If your credit score is below 740, even small improvements before applying for a mortgage can save you thousands over the life of the loan.
|
|
Tips for Homeowners
Weatherproofing Your Home Before Winter
|
|
1.
|
Clean your chimney if you have a fireplace. The National Fire Protection Association recommends annual inspection and cleaning to prevent chimney fires.
|
|
2.
|
Check attic insulation and ventilation before winter. Inadequate insulation leads to heat loss, higher energy bills, and ice dams on the roof that can cause significant damage.
|
|
3.
|
Inspect weatherstripping on all exterior doors. A simple dollar-bill test works: close the door on a bill — if you can pull it out easily, your weatherstripping needs replacing.
|
|
|
Have questions about how any of this affects your mortgage or home purchase? We're here to help — reach out to the Jennifer Clemens team any time and we'll walk you through your options. |
|
|
|
|
602-214-9048 | https://clemensmortgagegroup.com/
You are receiving this from Clemens Mortgage Group, LLC. Unsubscribe
|
|
