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Mortgage Mom Radio Weekly - July 31, 2026

Welcome back — Mortgage Mom here. The 30-year ticked lower to 6.77% this week. Not a huge move, but every basis point matters when you're running numbers.

Mortgage Mom Radio Weekly

Week of July 31, 2026

 

Welcome back — Mortgage Mom here. The 30-year ticked lower to 6.77% this week. Not a huge move, but every basis point matters when you're running numbers.

Inside this week's issue I walked through FHA vs Conventional on a $450K purchase so you can see the actual monthly payment math side by side. If you're running numbers on your own situation and want a real answer — not a maybe — text MOM to 844-935-3634 anytime. That's what I'm here for.

— Debbie

 

Rates this week

ProgramRateAPR
30-Year Fixed 6.77% 6.88%
15-Year Fixed 6.31% 6.42%
FHA 30-Year 6.33% 7.23%
VA 30-Year 6.34% 6.59%
Jumbo 30-Year 6.90% 7.01%
 

30yr fell 4 bps from 6.81% last week to 6.77%.

 
8-week rate trend chart

3-week trend, 30-year and 15-year fixed

Source: Freddie Mac PMMS · Mortgage News Daily · US 10-Year Treasury

Rates shown are national averages from third-party sources for illustrative purposes only. APR estimates use industry-standard fee uplifts and will vary based on borrower qualification, loan amount, and specific fees. Not a commitment to lend.

 

This week's scenario

FHA vs Conventional on a $450K purchase

First-time buyer, 680 credit score, $22K available for down payment and closing

FHA loan

$3,438

est. monthly PITI

Rate / APR6.33% / 7.23%
Down (3.5%)$15,750
Loan amount$441,849
P&I$2,744
Monthly MI$203
Est. tax + ins.$375 + $117
 

Conventional 3% down

$3,565

est. monthly PITI

Rate / APR6.77% / 6.88%
Down (3%)$13,500
Loan amount$436,500
P&I$2,837
Monthly MI$236
Est. tax + ins.$375 + $117

FHA gets in with a lower credit floor and easier debt-to-income guidelines, but the mortgage insurance follows you for the life of the loan. Conventional needs a stronger credit profile but the PMI drops off automatically at 78% loan-to-value, meaning lower long-term cost for many buyers who can qualify.

For illustrative purposes only. Not a commitment to lend. Actual rates, payments, and eligibility depend on full underwriting and will vary based on credit score, debt-to-income, loan-to-value, property type, occupancy, reserves, and specific investor or agency overlays. Rates and terms shown reflect national averages on the date pulled and are subject to change without notice. Estimated property taxes and homeowners insurance are based on national averages and will vary depending on the specific area where the property is located.

 

On the show this week

Watch the replay

The Fed Just Said No Rate Cut

The Fed held rates steady this week for the fifth straight meeting, but the vote was 9 to 3, and all three dissenters wanted a rate hike. Debbie breaks down what the decision really means: why mortgage rates climbed to near one-year highs even while the Fed sat still, who new Fed Chair Kevin Warsh is, what a possible September hike would mean for buyers and homeowners, and why waiting for lower rates has been costing people money all year.

Watch the replay
 
Live show alerts - text LIVE to 844-935-3634
 
Real questions. Real numbers. Text MOM to 844-935-3634
 
Ready to talk through your own numbers? Book an appointment with Debbie
 

  IN CASE YOU MISSED IT

Catch up on recent shows

A few recent shows worth catching up on:

Mortgage Rates Just Hit 2026 Highs — What Happened & What Buyers Do Now Mortgage Rates Just Hit 2026 Highs — What Happened & What Buyers Do Now
PLAY NOW
The Biggest Condo Lending Change In Over A Decade! The Biggest Condo Lending Change In Over A Decade!
PLAY NOW
The Fed just flipped the script. Rate Hike on the table? The Fed just flipped the script. Rate Hike on the table?
PLAY NOW
 

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Debbie Marcoux, NMLS #237926. JMJ Financial dba Mortgage Mom Radio, NMLS #167867. Equal Housing Lender. Licensed in AZ, CA, FL, GA, HI, ID, IL, NV, NC, OR, TN, TX, WA.

For illustrative and educational purposes only. Not a commitment to lend. Rates, terms, and eligibility subject to underwriting approval and change without notice.