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Thursday, August 20, 2026 |
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A Note From Joseph Brown
Weekly Market Update
Hello,
Welcome to this week's Mortgage Market Update!
Whether you're thinking about buying a home, refinancing, or simply keeping an eye on the market, staying informed can help you make better financial decisions.
This week, we're watching:
Current mortgage rate trends
Housing market activity
Economic news that may impact interest rates
Opportunities for first-time homebuyers and move-up buyers
Available down payment assistance programs
Mortgage rates can change daily, and even small movements can affect your purchasing power and monthly payment. If you're considering buying a home in the coming months, now is a great time to review your options and develop a strategy.
If you have questions about financing, credit improvement, down payment assistance, FHA, VA, Conventional, DSCR, or other loan programs, I'm here to help.
Feel free to reach out for a personalized mortgage review or pre-approval consultation.
Have a great week!
Joseph C. Brown
Mortgage Loan Originator
Empire Financial Group
Phone: 786-342-8999
Email: jbrown@mpirefi.com
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Mortgage Market Update
Does refinancing make sense right now?
Hi—sometimes the best financial move is knowing when not to make one. This week I'm breaking down how to think about refinancing.
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National Mortgage Rates · August 13, 2026
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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.
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Refinance Strategy
When refinancing makes financial sense
Refinancing isn't always the right move—it depends on your specific situation. The math has to work: you need to stay in your home long enough to recoup closing costs through your monthly savings, and the new rate and terms should meaningfully improve your position. Some people refinance to lower their payment, others to shorten their loan term or tap equity for a big expense. The key is understanding what you're trying to accomplish and whether the numbers support it. If you're wondering whether it might make sense for you, I'd love to walk through the details together.
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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.
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Tips for Homeowners
Weatherproofing Your Home Before Winter
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1.
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Clean your chimney if you have a fireplace. The National Fire Protection Association recommends annual inspection and cleaning to prevent chimney fires.
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2.
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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.
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3.
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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.
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Have questions about how any of this affects your mortgage or home purchase? We're here to help — reach out to the Joseph Brown team any time and we'll walk you through your options.
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Mpire Financial · Unsubscribe
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