Financial Reports

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What’s Ahead For Mortgage Rates This Week – March 9th, 2026

The inflation data for CPI and the PCE Index was intended to be released this upcoming week, but it has been delayed until the following week. Given that, the most important data for this week was the Jobs Report, which includes important figures such as the amount of job growth and wage gains in proportion to inflation.

This release has shown a rather dismal result in job growth, showing near-zero job gains—a major reduction compared to the previous two years during the same period. This is also followed by wage gains that have lagged behind inflation for a long time. This could spell significant issues when considering tariffs and inflation.

This will put a lot of pressure on the Federal Reserve regarding whether to continue cutting rates in light of the more recent data releases.

Jobs Report
The U.S. labor market shrunk by 92,000 non-farm payroll jobs in February, as reported by the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), well below economist estimates of an addition of 55,000. Additionally, the unemployment rate rose to 4.4% while average hourly wages grew by 0.4% month-over-month and 3.8% year-over-year.

Retail Sales
Sales at U.S. retailers fell in January for the first time in three months as Winter Storm Fern depressed spending at car dealers, gas stations and brick-and-mortar stores. Retail sales slid 0.2% in the first month of the year, the government said Friday. The report had been delayed by recent lapses in federal funding.

Primary Mortgage Market Survey Index

  • 15-Year FRM rates saw a decrease of -0.01%, with the current rate at 5.43%
  • 30-Year FRM rates saw an increase of 0.02%, with the current rate at 6.00%

MND Rate Index

  • 30-Year FHA rates saw an increase of 0.10%, with current rates at 5.72%
  • 30-Year VA rates saw an increase of 0.10%, with current rates at 5.74%

Jobless Claims
Initial Claims were reported to be 213,000 compared to the expected claims of 215,000. The prior week landed at 213,000.

What’s Ahead
Next week, the delayed CPI and PCE data is scheduled to be released, along with a rate decision by the Federal Reserve. This is an unusual combination, as inflation data has typically been released prior to the rate decision.

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Home Buyer Tips, Home Buying Tips

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First-Time Homebuyer’s Roadmap for 2026: Overcoming Affordability Challenges

Navigating the 2026 Housing Market in Houston

Entering the housing market as a first-time buyer in 2026 requires more than just a savings account; it demands a strategic roadmap. While the dream of homeownership remains strong, affordability challenges—driven by fluctuating interest rates and property values—can feel daunting. However, for buyers in Houston, TX, opportunities abound if you know where to look. At Peyton Mortgage, we specialize in helping local families transition from renting to owning by leveraging smart financing and underutilized assistance programs.

Whether you are eyeing a new build in the suburbs or a fixer-upper inside the Loop, understanding your purchasing power is the first step. By working with an experienced lender like Roger Young, you can identify loan programs specifically designed to lower the barrier to entry, ensuring that your first home investment is both secure and sustainable.

Smart Financing & Down Payment Assistance Programs

One of the biggest myths stopping renters from buying is the belief that you need a 20% down payment. In reality, modern loan programs offer far more flexibility to combat affordability issues. For many first-time buyers in Houston, FHA loans are a popular choice, requiring a minimum down payment of just 3.5%. Furthermore, this down payment can often be sourced from documented gift funds provided by family members, making it easier to bridge the savings gap.

For those with stronger credit, Conventional loans may allow for as little as 3% down. Additionally, qualified active service members and veterans can take advantage of VA financing, which offers 100% financing with no down payment requirement. USDA Rural Housing programs also offer 100% financing for properties in eligible rural areas around Texas. Understanding these options is crucial to structuring a loan that fits your monthly budget.

Loan Program Min. Down Payment Mortgage Insurance (PMI) Ideal Borrower Profile
FHA Loan 3.5% Required Lower credit scores or low down payment savings.
Conventional 97 3.0% Required (if <20% equity) Good credit score (620+), first-time buyers.
VA Loan 0% None Veterans, active duty, and surviving spouses.
USDA Loan 0% None (Guarantee Fee applies) Buyers in designated rural/suburban areas.

Strategies to Boost Affordability and Close the Deal

Beyond choosing the right loan program, savvy buyers in 2026 are using specific strategies to manage costs. One effective method is exploring mortgage rate buydowns, where seller concessions are used to lower your interest rate for the first few years of the loan. Additionally, preparation is key. As noted in our Mortgage FAQ, closing costs generally range from 3% to 6% of the loan amount. These include appraisal fees, title insurance, and escrow setup for taxes and insurance.

To speed up the process and strengthen your offer, aim for a full loan commitment rather than just a pre-qualification. A commitment is a guarantee under pre-set conditions, signaling to sellers that you are a serious and capable buyer. Roger Young and the team at Peyton Financial can guide you through gathering necessary documentation—such as income verification and tax returns—to ensure a smooth closing.

Q1: Do I really need a 20% down payment to buy a house in 2026?

No. Conventional loans allow as little as 3% down, and FHA loans require only 3.5%. VA and USDA loans may offer 0% down for qualified buyers.

Q2: What is Private Mortgage Insurance (PMI)?

PMI is insurance required on Conventional loans if you put down less than 20%. It protects the lender in case of default but allows you to buy sooner with less cash upfront.

Q3: Can I use gift money for my down payment?

Yes. Both FHA and Conventional loans allow for the down payment to come from documented gift funds from a family member.

Q4: What are typical closing costs in Houston?

Closing costs typically range from 3% to 6% of the loan amount and cover items like appraisal fees, title insurance, and prepaid property taxes.

Q5: How can I speed up my loan approval?

Getting a full loan commitment (not just pre-qualification) and having your paperwork ready in advance—including tax returns and income verification—will significantly speed up the process.

Ready to start your homeownership journey?
Contact Roger Young at Peyton Mortgage today to discuss your financing options.Get Your Rate QuoteCall us: 1-346-570-0846

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Mortgage

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Navigating Mortgage Options in 2026: AI Applications & Non-QM Loans in Houston

The Evolution of Home Financing: What Houston Borrowers Need to Know

Welcome to the mortgage landscape of 2026. The days of endless paperwork stacks and month-long waiting periods for simple pre-approvals are fading. Today, AI-powered applications have revolutionized how lenders assess risk, allowing for lightning-fast document processing and underwriting decisions. However, while algorithms are great at crunching numbers for standard W-2 employees, they often fail to capture the full financial picture of self-employed entrepreneurs, gig economy workers, and real estate investors in the bustling Houston, TX market.

At Peyton Mortgage, we blend cutting-edge technology with the personalized touch of a local expert. While we leverage digital tools to streamline your experience, we understand that an algorithm cannot replace a conversation about your long-term financial goals. Whether you are looking to buy a home in Memorial or refinance in the greater Houston area, understanding the balance between automated tech and specialized loan products is key to securing the best rate.

Non-QM Loans: A Game Changer for Self-Employed Texans

For many successful business owners in Texas, tax returns don’t always reflect their true purchasing power due to legitimate write-offs and business expenses. This is where Non-QM (Non-Qualified Mortgage) loans shine. Unlike traditional Conventional or FHA loans that rely heavily on tax returns, Non-QM products allow for alternative income verification methods.

  • Bank Statement Loans: We can qualify you based on 12 to 24 months of personal or business bank statements, looking at cash flow rather than taxable net income.
  • DSCR Loans: For real estate investors, Debt Service Coverage Ratio loans qualify the property based on its rental income potential rather than your personal income.
  • Asset Depletion: High-net-worth individuals can use their liquid assets to calculate a monthly income stream for qualification.

These options are vital for the modern workforce in Houston. If you have been denied by a big bank because your tax returns show a different story than your bank account, a Non-QM loan from a specialized broker like Roger Young might be your solution.

Loan Feature Traditional Conventional Non-QM (Bank Statement) FHA Loan
Income Doc W-2s & Tax Returns 12-24 Mo. Bank Statements W-2s & Tax Returns
Credit Score Typically 620+ Flexible (often 600+) Flexible (580+ for 3.5% down)
Loan Limits Conforming Limits Apply Jumbo Amounts Available County Limits Apply
Best For Salaried Employees Self-Employed / Freelancers First-Time Buyers

AI-Powered Mortgages vs. The Human Touch

In 2026, Artificial Intelligence plays a massive role in the back-end of the mortgage process—detecting fraud, verifying assets, and predicting market rate shifts. This helps us at Peyton Mortgage offer you a faster, smoother closing process. However, AI lacks context. It doesn’t understand that you just started a new business venture that is about to boom, or that you are relocating to Houston for a specific family reason.

That is why working with a local broker is superior to using a faceless app. We use technology to speed up the process, but we use our expertise to structure the loan. We can guide you through the mortgage calculator estimates and help you navigate the hidden windows of opportunity that automated systems might miss.

Compliance & Consumer Protection

We are committed to transparency and compliance.
Figure: 7 TAC §56.200(c) TEXAS RESIDENTS: CONSUMERS WISHING TO FILE A COMPLAINT AGAINST A MORTGAGE COMPANY OR RESIDENTIAL MORTGAGE LOAN ORIGINATOR LICENSED IN TEXAS SHOULD SEND A COMPLETED COMPLAINT FORM TO THE DEPARTMENT OF SAVINGS AND MORTGAGE LENDING (SML): 2601 N. LAMAR BLVD., SUITE 201, AUSTIN, TEXAS 78705; TEL: 1-877-276-5550. INFORMATION AND FORMS ARE AVAILABLE ON SML’S WEBSITE: SML.TEXAS.GOV.

Q1: What is a Non-QM loan and who is it for?

Non-QM (Non-Qualified Mortgage) loans are for borrowers who don’t fit the strict mold of government-backed loans. They are ideal for self-employed individuals, real estate investors, and those with unique income streams.

Q2: Can I get a mortgage in Houston without tax returns?

Yes! With a Bank Statement Loan (a type of Non-QM loan), we can use 12 to 24 months of bank deposits to verify your income instead of tax returns.

Q3: How does AI help my mortgage application?

AI speeds up the underwriting process by automating document verification and data analysis, reducing the time it takes to get from application to closing.

Q4: Is Peyton Mortgage a local lender?

Yes, Peyton Mortgage is a Houston-based mortgage broker located on Memorial Dr, dedicated to serving the local Texas community with personalized service.

Q5: What credit score do I need for a Non-QM loan?

Requirements vary, but Non-QM loans often have more flexible credit score requirements compared to conventional loans, sometimes accepting scores as low as 600-620 depending on the down payment.

Ready to Explore Your Options?

Don’t let a complex financial profile stop you from buying your dream home in Houston. Contact Roger Young today to discuss your scenario.

Get Your Custom Rate QuoteRoger M Young NMLS #271349 | Peyton Financial Mortgage Inc NMLS #355920

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