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Mortgage Market Update
Denise Marquez
Denise Marquez
Saturday, August 1, 2026
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What Florida condo inspections mean for your home search |
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Hi there! This week we're sharing stories about structural issues affecting thousands of Florida homes, why Gen Z buyers are struggling with hidden debt, and what's happening in luxury markets like Aspen. Here's what matters to your wallet.
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National Mortgage Rates · July 30, 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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Equity Building
Your home is working for you—here's how to measure it
Every mortgage payment you make builds equity—the difference between what your home is worth and what you owe on it. Over time, that equity becomes real wealth you can tap into for major expenses, a new purchase, or just financial peace of mind. The tricky part is knowing where you stand. Your home's value fluctuates with the market, and your loan balance drops with each payment, so your equity picture changes constantly. Understanding your equity now helps you make smarter decisions later—whether that's refinancing, borrowing against your home, or simply knowing your net worth. I'd love to sit down with you and walk through your equity position so you know exactly what you've built.
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Tip of the Week
Landscaping maintenance protects your home's value — overgrown yards are the number one curb appeal issue buyers notice.
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Tips for Homeowners
HOA Fees and How They Affect Your Mortgage
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1.
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HOA dues are included in your debt-to-income ratio calculation when you apply for a mortgage. High HOA fees reduce how much home you can qualify for.
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2.
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Before buying in an HOA, review the financials: reserve fund balance, any pending special assessments, and recent meeting minutes. A depleted reserve fund can mean a large unexpected charge.
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3.
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HOA dues are generally not tax-deductible for a primary residence. If the home is a rental property, dues may be deductible as a business expense.
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Realtor.com
A state inspection report found that over 2,500 Florida condos and co-ops have severe structural deterioration. If you're shopping for a condo in Florida or considering one as an investment, this is a wake-up call to get a thorough inspection and understand what repairs might be needed before you buy.
| Key takeaway: always hire your own inspector for any condo purchase, and factor potential repair costs into your offer. |
Read full article →
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Realtor.com
New research shows that Gen Z buyers are taking on "shadow debt" by covering shared expenses for friends—everything from group dinners to vacations. This unreported debt can hurt your credit score and reduce how much a lender will approve you to borrow, making it harder to qualify for a mortgage.
| Key takeaway: before applying for a mortgage, get a clear picture of any ongoing financial commitments to friends or family that could affect your debt-to-income ratio. |
Read full article →
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Realtor.com
Last winter's record-low snowfall in the Colorado ski destination sent luxury homebuyers elsewhere, and the market felt it. While this is a high-end market story, it shows how local factors—weather, tourism, seasonal appeal—can quickly change what homes are worth and how fast they sell.
| Key takeaway: if you're buying or selling in a market tied to tourism or seasonal activity, understand how weather and local events can swing prices and buyer interest. |
Read full article →
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Realtor.com
A Colorado foreclosure listed for $215,000 is going viral because the buyer must take the home sight-unseen and the current occupant is included in the deal. It's an extreme case, but it highlights how important inspections and clear deals are—and why you should never skip seeing a home in person or agreeing to unusual terms without understanding the legal implications.
| Key takeaway: always tour any home before buying, get everything in writing, and walk away from deals that don't feel right. |
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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