What’s Ahead For Mortgage Rates This Week – September 14th, 2026

While CPI data has come in within expectations for current inflation, inflation remains much higher than in previous years. The rate is holding steady at 2.4%, which is above the Federal Reserve’s 2.0% target.  There are sectors where cost has seen significant increase and has not been reflected in the CPI due to the more recent changes implemented by the Trump administration. Fuel costs, for example, have seen an upward year-over-year trend that has been exacerbated by the recent war in Iran. The Fed Beige Book and balance sheet have also shown steady growth and an upward trend as of…
Read More

How Mortgage Underwriting Looks at Your Financial Picture

Mortgage underwriting can seem mysterious when you are buying a home. You submit documents, answer questions, and sometimes receive requests for additional information without knowing exactly what is happening behind the scenes. Understanding the purpose of underwriting can make this stage of the mortgage process much less intimidating. Underwriting Looks Beyond One NumberA mortgage decision is generally not based solely on your credit score or income. Underwriting evaluates multiple parts of your financial profile to determine whether the loan meets applicable lending requirements.The exact criteria depend on the mortgage program and lender. Income and Employment Are ReviewedLenders need to document…
Read More

Why Your Cash Reserves Matter After You Buy a Home

Saving enough money for a down payment and closing costs can feel like the primary financial goal when purchasing a home. However, becoming a homeowner does not mean your need for savings disappears at closing. Keeping money available after the purchase can provide an important financial cushion as you adjust to the costs and responsibilities of homeownership. Homeownership Comes With Unexpected ExpensesEven a well-maintained home can surprise you. An appliance can stop working, a plumbing problem can appear, or an HVAC system may suddenly need attention.Unlike renting, homeowners are generally responsible for handling repairs and maintenance themselves. Having reserves available…
Read More

What Happens If Your Income Changes Before Closing?

Getting approved for a mortgage is an important milestone, but the financial review does not necessarily end once you receive an initial approval. Lenders may verify certain information again before closing, including your employment and income. If your income changes during this period, it could affect your mortgage approval, depending on the circumstances. Why Income Still Matters Before ClosingYour mortgage qualification is based partly on the income documented during the application process. Lenders use this information to determine whether your income meets the requirements for the loan and whether your monthly obligations are manageable.Because closing may occur weeks after the…
Read More

What’s Ahead For Mortgage Rates This Week – September 8th, 2026

The Non-farm Payroll figures are a strong indicator of the job market and showed a notable increase this quarter. However, this doesn’t necessarily indicate a significant shift in the job market as a whole, as certain sectors have experienced outsized impacts compared to others. JOLTs job openings data does support the increase in openings seen over the last quarter, though it is not among the largest indicators on the broader economic scale. Non-farm PayrollsThe +162,000 jobs was considerably stronger than the 31,000 average monthly gain over the preceding 12 months. Food services added 59K and local-government education added 42K, while…
Read More