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Mortgage Market Update
Jennifer Clemens
Clemens Mortgage Group, LLC
Wednesday, September 16, 2026
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Closing costs explained (it's less mysterious than you think) |
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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!
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Hi there. This week I want to talk about something that surprises a lot of borrowers: what actually happens at the closing table.
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National Mortgage Rates · September 10, 2026
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Conventional 30-Year
6.76%
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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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Closing Costs
What you're actually paying at closing
Closing costs catch a lot of people off guard. Beyond the down payment, there are appraisal fees, title work, inspections, insurance, and lender fees—and they add up fast. The good news: understanding what goes into that final number helps you plan better and spot where you might have flexibility. Some costs are negotiable; others are set by third parties. Knowing the difference means you can walk into closing without surprises and make smarter decisions about what matters most to your budget.
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Tip of the Week
Gift funds from family can be used toward a down payment on most loan types — your lender will need a simple gift letter.
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Tips for Homeowners
VA Loans: Benefits Every Veteran Should Know
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VA loans require no down payment and no private mortgage insurance (PMI), making them one of the most powerful home-buying tools available to eligible veterans, active-duty service members, and surviving spouses.
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2.
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VA loans do require a funding fee (typically 1.25%–3.3% of the loan amount), which can be rolled into the loan. Veterans with a service-connected disability rating may be exempt from this fee.
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There's no VA loan limit for eligible borrowers with full entitlement — you can finance as much as a lender will approve. If you've had a prior VA loan, partial entitlement rules may apply.
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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 Jennifer Clemens team any time and we'll walk you through your options. |
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602-214-9048 | https://clemensmortgagegroup.com/
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