Mortgage

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How to Finance Energy-Efficient Home Improvements with a Mortgage

As more homeowners look for ways to reduce utility bills and make their homes environmentally friendly, energy-efficient improvements have become a smart investment. The good news is that you do not need to pay out of pocket for all the upgrades at once. There are mortgage financing options that allow you to make energy-efficient improvements while also making your home more comfortable and affordable in the long run.

One of the most common ways to finance these improvements is through an Energy Efficient Mortgage, or EEM. This type of loan is designed to help borrowers finance energy-saving upgrades as part of their home purchase or refinance. With an EEM, the cost of improvements is rolled into the total mortgage amount. This means you are not required to take out a separate loan or use a credit card to cover the cost. EEMs are available through both conventional and government-backed loan programs including FHA and VA loans.

If you are purchasing a home that needs new insulation, solar panels, or high-efficiency HVAC systems, you can include those upgrades in your initial mortgage. The lender will often require a home energy assessment to determine the projected energy savings. If the savings are greater than the cost of the improvements, it can strengthen your approval odds.

Another option is a renovation loan such as the FHA 203k or Fannie Mae’s HomeStyle Renovation loan. These programs allow borrowers to finance both the home purchase and the cost of energy-efficient upgrades into a single mortgage. This is particularly helpful for buyers interested in fixer-uppers or older homes in need of major energy-saving renovations.

For homeowners who already have a mortgage but want to upgrade, a cash-out refinance may be the right solution. With a cash-out refinance, you can access a portion of your home’s equity and use the funds to make energy-efficient improvements. While this option does increase your loan balance, the potential savings on monthly utility bills and increased home value often make it a worthwhile investment.

Many states offer local programs and incentives for energy-efficient upgrades, including rebates and tax credits. It is worth checking what is available in your area, as combining those incentives with mortgage financing can significantly reduce your out-of-pocket costs.

Energy-efficient improvements not only lower your energy bills, they also make your home more marketable in the future. Buyers are increasingly interested in homes with sustainable features, meaning the investment you make today can pay off later when it is time to sell.

Before choosing a financing option, talk with a mortgage professional who understands the different programs available and can guide you through the process. Whether you are buying, refinancing, or renovating, there are ways to finance energy-efficient upgrades that make sense for your long-term goals.

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Financial Reports

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What’s Ahead For Mortgage Rates This Week – July 7th, 2025

With next week featuring both the CPI and PPI reports, the release schedule for this upcoming week will be extremely light. This previous week featured a small number of notable data releases. First being the trade deficit which has shown a sharp decline due to the tariff policies, but has increased again with the pause on tariffs. The manufacturing sector has seen growth as well with the PMI Manufacturing data, but inflation also proves to have grown just as much. Lastly, employment numbers have shown a stronger than expected labor market, but there are still expectations that things will cool further.

Manufacturing PMI
The headline index from the report, the seasonally adjusted S&P Global US Manufacturing Purchasing Managers’ Index, improved to 52.9 in June, from 52.0 in May. The latest reading was the highest since May 2022, and indicative of a solid rate of expansion. It was also the sixth successive month in which the PMI has posted above the critical 50.0 no-change mark.

Manufacturers recorded a first rise in production for four months. Growth was the second-steepest since March 2024, surpassed only by February’s near three-year record.

Employment Data
The U.S. added a decent 147,000 jobs in June, pointing to resilience in the labor market. But the pace of hiring has slowed since last year as businesses grapple with trade wars and the crackdown on immigration. About half of the new jobs were created by state and local governments, taking some shine off a seemingly solid report. The private sector only added 74,000 jobs, marking the smallest increase in eight months.

Trade Deficit
The U.S. goods and services trade deficit increased in May 2025 according to the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis and the U.S. Census Bureau. The deficit increased from $60.3 billion in April (revised) to $71.5 billion in May, as exports decreased more than imports. The goods deficit increased $11.2 billion in May to $97.5 billion. The services surplus decreased $0.1 billion in May to $26.0 billion.

Primary Mortgage Market Survey Index
• 15-Yr FRM rates saw a decrease of -0.09% for this week, with the current rates at 5.80%
• 30-Yr FRM rates saw a decrease of of -0.10% for this week, with the current rates at 6.67%

MND Rate Index
• 30-Yr FHA rates saw an increase of 0.06% for this week, with the current rates at 6.27%
• 30-Yr VA rates saw an increase of 0.07% for this week, with the current rates at 6.29%

Jobless Claims
Initial Claims were reported to be 233,000 compared to the expected claims of 240,000. The prior week landed at 237,000.

What’s Ahead
An extremely light release week with nothing of note. The following week will feature inflation data with the CPI and PPI reports.

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Blog

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Houston Homebuyers: You’re Richer Than You Think, Says Peyton Mortgage

Unlock Your Hidden Wealth in Houston’s Booming 2025 Housing Market

If you’re a Houston homebuyer, you might be sitting on more wealth than you realize. Peyton Mortgage, a trusted mortgage broker in Houston, TX, is revealing how homeowners and first-time buyers alike can tap into hidden financial opportunities in 2025’s thriving real estate market. From skyrocketing home equity to overlooked savings, here’s how you can leverage your wealth to achieve your homeownership goals.

Homeowners: Your Equity Is Your Secret Asset

Houston’s housing market is on fire, with median home prices climbing 5.7% to $365,000 in the past year, according to the Houston Association of Realtors. For current homeowners, this means your property’s value has likely surged, building substantial equity—often tens of thousands of dollars. This “hidden wealth” can be a game-changer for upsizing, investing in rental properties, or funding renovations.

At Peyton Mortgage, we specialize in helping you unlock this equity through refinancing or home equity loans. “Many Houstonians are surprised to learn how much their home is worth today,” says Roger Young, President of Peyton Mortgage (NMLS #271349). “We show clients how to use that wealth to take the next step in their real estate journey.”

First-Time Buyers: Savings and Programs Add Up

Think you can’t afford a home? Think again. Houston’s robust economy, with 3.2% job growth in 2024 (Bureau of Labor Statistics), has helped many residents build savings. Pair that with down payment assistance programs and low-rate FHA loans, and you may need less cash upfront than you expect.

Our team at Peyton Mortgage guides first-time buyers through these options, ensuring you maximize every opportunity. Whether it’s a state-backed grant or a low-down-payment mortgage, we’ll find the right path to homeownership.

Why 2025 Is Your Year

The stars are aligning for Houston buyers. Interest rates are stabilizing, and home inventory is up 12% from last year, per the Texas Real Estate Research Center. This means more choices and less competition. Whether you’re a homeowner leveraging equity or a first-time buyer tapping into savings, now is the time to act.

Ready to Discover Your Wealth?

You’re richer than you think—let Peyton Mortgage show you how. As Houston’s premier mortgage broker, we offer personalized solutions to turn your financial potential into reality. Contact us today to explore your options and start your homebuying journey.

Compliance: ROGER M YOUNG NMLS #271349 | PEYTON FINANCIAL MORTGAGE INC #355920

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