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Mortgage Market Update
Denise Marquez
Denise Marquez
Thursday, August 20, 2026
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Starter homes in trouble, equity shrinking: what it means for you |
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This week brought some sobering news about who's winning and losing in today's housing market—and some practical reminders about where homeowners stand. Here's what matters for your wallet.
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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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Refinancing Basics
When refinancing actually makes sense
Refinancing isn't always the right move, even when rates look attractive. The real question is whether the long-term benefit outweighs what you'll pay upfront to close a new loan. Some borrowers break even in a few years; others never do. It depends on your timeline, your current loan balance, how long you plan to stay in the home, and what you're trying to accomplish—lower payments, faster payoff, or access to equity. If you've been wondering whether now is your moment, I can walk through the actual math with your specific situation. There's no one-size-fits-all answer, but there is a right answer for you.
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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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Realtor.com
The housing market is splitting in two: entry-level buyers are backing away while affordable starter homes grow scarcer, but high-end buyers keep shopping without hesitation. If you're looking to buy your first home or move up from one, this imbalance means less inventory and tougher competition for what's available.
| Key takeaway: starter home shoppers face extra headwinds right now, so if you're in that category, getting pre-approved early and acting quickly when you find something is more important than ever. |
Read full article →
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Realtor.com
The share of homeowners sitting on significant equity has dropped to its lowest level in five years, especially hurting those who bought with minimal down payments. If you're in this situation, rising home values may not be working in your favor the way they once were.
| Key takeaway: if you bought recently with little money down, now's a good time to focus on paying down your principal and avoiding cash-out refinances that could eat away at equity further. |
Read full article →
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Realtor.com
Federal Reserve officials are signaling they may raise interest rates again if inflation doesn't start easing in the months ahead. This matters because higher rates would ripple through mortgage rates, affecting your monthly payment if you're planning to buy or refinance.
| Key takeaway: if refinancing is on your radar, watch inflation data closely—waiting too long could cost you if rates jump higher. |
Read full article →
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Realtor.com
As kids head back to school and your home's routine shifts, adjusting your thermostat schedule could trim your utility bills noticeably. It takes just a couple of minutes but adds up fast over the season.
| Key takeaway: a quick thermostat reset when schedules change is free money—it's one of the easiest ways to keep more cash in your pocket month to month. |
Read full article →
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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 Denise Marquez team any time and we'll walk you through your options. |
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808 RT 15 S, Lake Hopatcong, NJ 07849
201-456-7475 | https://www.dm-mtg.com/
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