Financial Reports

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What’s Ahead For Mortgage Rates This Week – July 6th, 2026

Unemployment data has shown some rather interesting statistics, with the lowest unemployment rates in the last 14 months being reported. Looking closer at the statistics shows that the unemployment rate hasn’t just dropped due to more people finding work, but also because a significant number of people have stopped looking for work, causing the numbers to appear more favorable.

Among analysts, this is a pretty standout example, and currently, the Federal Reserve has made no indication that it plans to change its policies on interest rates, with many members of the board still favoring increasing rates again. Hourly wages have also seen a modest increase, but this growth has been overshadowed by the increase in inflation for quite some time.

Unemployment Report
The unemployment rate fell in June to a 14-month low of 4.2%. Good news, right? Yes and no. The biggest reason the jobless rate fell is that 720,000 people dropped out of the labor force. This is usually a bad sign, as it means people are too discouraged to look for work.

Consumer Confidence
Consumer Confidence Index rose 0.6 point to 91.2 in June, a figure that is still below its year-ago reading of 95.2. Consumer attitudes worsened after the Iran war caused oil and gas prices to spike, accelerating inflation and causing Americans’ inflation-adjusted incomes to decline. Before the pandemic, the index regularly topped 120.

Primary Mortgage Market Survey Index

  • 15-Year FRM rates saw a decrease of -0.05%, bringing the current rate to 5.79%.
  • 30-Year FRM rates saw a decrease of -0.06%, bringing the current rate to 6.43%.

MND Rate Index

  • 30-Year FHA rates saw an increase of 0.07%, with current rate at 6.17%.
  • 30-Year VA rates saw an increase of 0.07%, with current rate at 6.19%.

Jobless Claims
Initial Claims were reported to be 215,000 compared to the expected claims of 220,000. The previous week landed at 216,000.

What’s Ahead
A very light week lies ahead, with key economic updates including the U.S. Trade Balance and Consumer Credit reports, along with the Fed’s FOMC Meeting Minutes.

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Mortgage Tips

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Why Small Financial Changes Can Delay Your Closing

As closing day approaches, many homebuyers assume the mortgage process is nearly complete. While that is often true, lenders may continue reviewing your financial information until the final approval is issued. Even small changes to your finances can create new questions, require additional documentation, and potentially delay your closing. Knowing what to avoid can help keep your home purchase on track.

New Credit Can Create New Questions
Opening a new credit card, financing furniture, or applying for a store account may seem harmless, but new credit can affect your mortgage file. Lenders may need to review the new account, calculate the monthly payment, and determine whether it changes your debt-to-income ratio. Waiting until after closing is usually the safer choice.

Large Deposits May Need Documentation
If a large deposit appears in your bank account, your lender may ask where the money came from. This is not unusual, but it can slow the process if records are not available. Funds from gifts, bonuses, transfers, or account withdrawals may need a clear paper trail before they can be accepted.

Changing Jobs Can Affect Timing
Even if a new job is a positive career move, changing employment before closing can require additional review. Lenders may need to verify your new position, confirm income details, and request updated documentation. If you are considering an employment change, speak with your mortgage professional first.

Moving Money Between Accounts Can Add Steps
Transferring funds between accounts may seem simple, but it can create additional documentation requirements. Lenders need to verify the source and movement of funds used for closing. Keeping your accounts consistent can make it easier to confirm available assets.

Small Choices Can Have Big Timing Impacts
Most financial changes do not automatically stop a mortgage approval, but they can add time to the review process. When closing deadlines are approaching, even a small delay can create stress for buyers, sellers, agents, and everyone involved in the transaction.

The safest approach is to keep your financial picture steady until after closing. Before opening credit, making large purchases, changing jobs, or moving money, contact your mortgage professional. A quick conversation can help you avoid preventable delays and get to closing day with greater confidence.

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Home Buyer Tips

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How a Co-Borrower Can Strengthen Your Mortgage Application

Buying a home is an exciting milestone, but qualifying for a mortgage may feel challenging for some buyers. If your income, credit profile, or purchasing power falls short of your homeownership goals, applying with a co-borrower may help strengthen your mortgage application. While adding another borrower is not the right solution for everyone, understanding how it works can help you make an informed decision.

What Is a Co-Borrower?
A co-borrower is someone who applies for the mortgage with you and shares equal responsibility for repaying the loan. Both borrowers’ income, assets, debts, and credit history are generally considered during the approval process. Unlike a cosigner, a co-borrower typically has an ownership interest in the property as well.

How a Co-Borrower May Improve Qualification
One of the biggest advantages of having a co-borrower is combining financial resources. Additional qualifying income may increase your purchasing power, while a stronger credit profile may improve the overall loan application. Depending on your situation, adding a co-borrower may also help you meet debt-to-income requirements that would have been difficult to satisfy on your own.

Choosing the Right Co-Borrower
Not every family member or friend is an ideal co-borrower. Since both parties are legally responsible for the mortgage, it is important to choose someone who understands the long-term commitment. Open communication about financial responsibilities, ownership expectations, and future plans can help avoid misunderstandings after closing.

Be Prepared to Provide Additional Documentation
Applying with two borrowers usually means additional paperwork. Your lender may request income documentation, bank statements, tax records, employment verification, and identification for both applicants. Providing complete and accurate information early in the process can help keep the loan moving efficiently.

Understand the Long-Term Responsibility
A mortgage is a significant financial obligation. Both borrowers remain responsible for making payments on time, regardless of who lives in the home or contributes toward the monthly payment. Before applying together, it is important to discuss how future financial changes or life events could affect both parties.

A co-borrower can be an excellent way to strengthen a mortgage application when it makes sense for your financial situation. By understanding the responsibilities involved and working closely with your mortgage professional, you can determine whether applying together is the right path toward achieving your homeownership goals.

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