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Mortgage Market Update
Jon Taw
Edge Home Finance
Thursday, September 17, 2026
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Existing Home Sales Dip Below 4 Million as Inventory Builds |
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Welcome to your mortgage market update from Jon Taw for Thursday, September 17, 2026. This week we've rounded up the latest news from Mortgage News Daily and HousingWire so you have everything you need in one place. Read on for the stories that matter most to homebuyers and homeowners right now.
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National Mortgage Rates · September 17, 2026
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Conventional 30-Year
6.95%
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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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Loan Basics
Fixed vs. adjustable: which one fits your plan
One of the biggest choices in a mortgage is whether to lock in a fixed rate for the life of your loan or start with a lower adjustable rate that changes over time. A fixed rate means predictable payments from day one—no surprises when rates move in the market. An adjustable rate can mean lower initial payments, but it carries risk if rates rise later. The right choice depends on how long you plan to stay in your home, how comfortable you are with payment uncertainty, and where rates stand when you're shopping. There's no universally "better" option—it's about what works for your situation and your peace of mind.
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Tip of the Week
Replace weatherstripping around exterior doors every few years. It's one of the cheapest ways to improve energy efficiency.
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Tips for Homeowners
USDA Loans: A Zero-Down Option for Rural Buyers
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1.
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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.
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2.
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USDA loans have income limits — typically 115% of the area median income. Both the property location and borrower income must qualify.
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3.
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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.
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Mortgage News Daily
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 →
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HousingWire
Listings will be labeled Realtor.com Preview Listings under a syndication deal first announced in May
| Key takeaway: Listings will be labeled Realtor. |
Read full article →
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Mortgage News Daily
The new home market struggled to maintain the momentum seen in June, with sales falling sharply in July and inventory moving higher. The latest Census Bureau and HUD figures point to another month of uneven activity for builders, as buyers continue to contend with affordability constraints and elevated mortgage rates. Sales of new single-family homes fell to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 60
| Key takeaway: The new home market struggled to maintain the momentum seen in June, with sales falling sharply in July and inventory moving higher. |
Read full article →
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HousingWire
Lenders repossessed 5,794 properties through completed foreclosures in August
| Key takeaway: Lenders repossessed 5,794 properties through completed foreclosures in August |
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 Jon Taw team any time and we'll walk you through your options. |
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