What’s New in Mortgage Market Updates (August 2025)
Call 954-342-6180 • Email scott@reallistingagent.com
Loan Program Highlights You Can Use Right Now
From first-time buyer options to investor-focused loans, here are the standouts this week:
- Conventional (8–30 year) — significant pricing wins across the board.
- ONE% Down Payment — 2% grant (forgivable) via Rocket Mortgage; ideal for first-time buyers.
- HomeReady / Home Possible — up to $3,500 in credits for first-time buyers.
- Home Equity Loan (to $500k) — fixed 30 & 15 options; $795 origination fee waived; AVM, no appraisal.
- FHA (30-year & 5/1 ARM) — very aggressive pricing.
- VA (30-year & 5/1 ARM) — aggressive pricing remains.
- Jumbo Smart (to $3M) — big wins at ≤80% LTV (max 89.99%; appraisal required).
- Jumbo 7/6 ARM (to $2M) — often better than 30-year fixed; max LTV 80%; DTI 45%.
- Jumbo Interest Only (40-year) — 10 years IO, then amortized over 30 years.
- Non-QM (Bank Statement / Asset Depletion) — competitive pricing; investor-friendly.
- Temporary Rate Buydowns — 3-2-1, 2-1, 1-0 options; seller, builder, or agent can fund.
- Non-Warrantable Condos — yes, there are solutions.
- DSCR & Bridge Loans — popular with investors looking to scale.
Pricing Enhancements (Buyer-Friendly)
- +40 bps on Conv/FHA/VA.
- -30 bps on all cash-out and rate/term refis.
- -75 to -100 bps on investment & second homes.
- -100 bps on HomeReady / Home Possible.
- $795 origination fee waived on Home Equity Loans.
Market Watch: Trade, the Fed, and Inflation
Trade Snapshot
- President Trump extended a trade truce with China for 90 days.
- Analysts expect faster inflation normalization with more stable tariffs.
Fed Chair Watch
Among the names discussed: Michelle Bowman, Philip Jefferson, and Lorie Logan, with Kevin Hassett and Christopher Waller also noted. Markets are monitoring the selection process for rate-path clues.
Inflation Data
- Headline CPI is running about 3.1% year-over-year, a tick hot versus expectations.
- Shelter remains the primary driver, with a notable monthly increase.
- Despite the uptick, the report was within a market-friendly range and did not jar rates.
The Week Ahead
- Tuesday: Three Fed speakers.
- Thursday: PPI release.
- Friday: Retail Sales report.
How This Helps South Florida Buyers & Sellers
If you’re comparing neighborhoods, start with our community pages: Fort Lauderdale, Oakland Park, Weston, and Pembroke Pines. When you’re ready, we’ll guide you through down payment assistance, Jumbo options, non-warrantable condo solutions, and more.
Looking for an agent?
Your Fort Lauderdale real estate agent and Oakland Park real estate agent for 2026 is one click away. We help you List My Home in Fort Lauderdale, Oakland Park, Weston, and Pembroke Pines with modern marketing, transparent pricing strategy, and local expertise.
Questions about financing, rates, or buydowns?
Text or call 954-342-6180 or email scott@reallistingagent.com.
