Edge Home Finance · November 3, 2026

Builder confidence hits 14-year low — what it means for you

Jon Taw

Mortgage Market Update

Jon Taw

Edge Home Finance

Tuesday, November 3, 2026

Builder confidence hits 14-year low — what it means for you

This week's housing data paints a picture of strain across the market. We've pulled together the stories that matter most to your wallet and your next move.

National Mortgage Rates · October 30, 2026

Conventional 30-Year

7.15%

FHA 30-Year

7.00%

VA 30-Year

6.76%

Rate trend

Source: Optimal Blue daily mortgage indices via FRED

Rates shown are national mortgage index rates 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.

Check My Rate →

Loan Programs

Why your loan type matters more than you think

Not all mortgages are built the same. The difference between a fixed-rate loan, an adjustable-rate mortgage, or a government-backed program can shape your payment stability and long-term costs in ways that go well beyond the interest rate itself. Some programs offer flexibility if life changes; others lock in certainty for three decades. The right choice depends on your timeline, risk tolerance, and how long you plan to stay in your home. If you've never discussed which loan structure actually fits your situation, that's a conversation worth having. I'd like to help you understand your real options.

Let's talk about which loan program makes the most sense for where you are right now.

Tip of the Week

Refinancing resets your amortization clock. If you're 10 years into a 30-year loan, consider a shorter term to avoid paying more total interest.

Tips for Homeowners

Co-Signing a Mortgage: What You're Really Agreeing To

1.

Co-signing makes you equally responsible for the debt. If the primary borrower misses payments, your credit score takes the same hit and the lender can pursue you for the full balance.

2.

The co-signed mortgage debt appears on your credit report and counts toward your DTI. This can limit your ability to qualify for your own financing until the loan is paid off or refinanced out of your name.

3.

There's no automatic way to remove yourself as a co-signer — the primary borrower must refinance the loan in their name alone. Get this understanding in writing before you sign.

Mortgage News Daily

Builder confidence drops to lowest since 2012

The National Association of Home Builders' confidence index fell to 29 in October—its weakest reading in 14 years. The culprits are familiar: mortgage rates, construction costs, labor shortages, and lot availability. This slowdown typically translates to fewer new homes on the market, which can affect your options and negotiating power.

Key takeaway: Less builder confidence means potentially fewer new homes coming to market, which could limit your choices if you're shopping for a newer property.
Read full article →

Mortgage News Daily

New home sales hold steady in September

New home sales stayed nearly flat in September at an annual pace of 676,000 units, following a rebound in August. The broader trend has been sideways for nearly three years, suggesting the market is stuck in a holding pattern rather than seeing strong momentum in either direction.

Key takeaway: New home sales remain stuck in a steady, uninspiring range—neither recovering sharply nor declining significantly.
Read full article →

Mortgage News Daily

Existing home sales stuck in neutral

Existing home sales have essentially flatlined since late 2023, hovering around 4 million units per year with no meaningful movement either way. This lack of inventory turnover can make it harder to find a home that meets your needs, since fewer owners are moving.

Key takeaway: Stalled existing home sales mean less inventory flowing onto the market, which could work against you if you're actively looking to buy.
Read full article →

Mortgage News Daily

Home price gains slow to a creep

Home price appreciation inched up 0.3% from July to August, with annual gains now at 2.4% according to the FHFA House Price Index. While prices continue climbing nationwide, the gains remain modest by historical standards and vary widely by region—some areas are up less than 1% annually while others are up over 4%.

Key takeaway: Price growth has slowed considerably, which may give you more leverage in negotiations depending on where you live.
Read full article →

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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Jon Taw

Jon Taw

Edge Home Finance

jon@jontaw.com

4697801155

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