Edge Home Finance · November 6, 2026

Builder confidence hits 14-year low—what it means for you

Jon Taw

Mortgage Market Update

Jon Taw

Edge Home Finance

Friday, November 6, 2026

Builder confidence hits 14-year low—what it means for you

This week brought some sobering signals from the construction side of the market. We're breaking down what builders are telling us and why it matters for your home plans.

National Mortgage Rates · November 5, 2026

Conventional 30-Year

7.18%

FHA 30-Year

6.90%

VA 30-Year

6.76%

Rate trend

Source: Optimal Blue daily mortgage indices via FRED · 30-yr: Freddie Mac weekly survey

Rates shown are national mortgage index rates and are provided for informational purposes only. Actual rates vary based on credit profile, loan amount, and market conditions. Please contact us for a personalized rate quote.

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Loan Programs

Why your loan type matters more than you think

Not all mortgages are built the same. The difference between a fixed-rate loan, an adjustable-rate mortgage, or a government-backed program can shape your payment stability and long-term costs in ways that go well beyond the interest rate itself. Some programs offer flexibility if life changes; others lock in certainty for three decades. The right choice depends on your timeline, risk tolerance, and how long you plan to stay in your home. If you've never discussed which loan structure actually fits your situation, that's a conversation worth having. I'd like to help you understand your real options.

Let's talk about which loan program makes the most sense for where you are right now.

Tip of the Week

Closing costs typically run 2-5% of the loan amount. Ask your lender for a Loan Estimate so there are no surprises.

Tips for Homeowners

Protecting Yourself from Mortgage Scams

1.

Wire fraud is one of the fastest-growing real estate scams. Never wire closing funds based solely on email instructions — always verify account numbers by calling your title company at a number you look up yourself.

2.

Loan modification and foreclosure rescue scams target homeowners in distress. Legitimate help is available free through HUD-approved counseling agencies at 800-569-4287.

3.

Be wary of unsolicited offers to refinance or cash out equity at terms that sound unusually favorable. If someone contacts you out of the blue, verify their NMLS license number at nmlsconsumeraccess.org.

Mortgage News Daily

Builder confidence drops to lowest in 14 years

The National Association of Home Builders' confidence index fell to 29 in October—its weakest reading since 2012. Builders cite higher mortgage rates, rising construction costs, labor shortages, and lot availability as the main culprits. This slowdown in builder enthusiasm typically means fewer new homes on the market and potentially less negotiating room for buyers.

Key takeaway: Expect new home inventory to remain tight, which could keep prices firm and limit your selection if you're shopping for a newly constructed home.
Read full article →

Mortgage News Daily

New home sales hold steady in September

New home sales stayed flat last month at an annual pace of 676,000 units, with only a slight 0.6% dip from August. Inventory of new homes available for sale continues to hover around 476,000, suggesting the market remains balanced but relatively constrained. This steadiness runs against the broader construction slowdown we're seeing elsewhere.

Key takeaway: The new home market is holding its ground for now, but don't expect a flood of inventory anytime soon.
Read full article →

Mortgage News Daily

Home prices inch higher, but gains stay modest

Home price appreciation ticked up slightly in August, with the FHFA House Price Index rising 0.3% month-over-month and showing 2.4% annual appreciation. However, the gains remain well below historical averages, and regional variation is significant—some areas are barely moving while others are climbing faster. After accounting for inflation, the picture looks even softer.

Key takeaway: If you've been waiting for prices to flatten out, you're getting closer—the market is cooling, not heating up.
Read full article →

Mortgage News Daily

Existing home sales stalled since late 2023

Existing home sales plummeted from over 6 million units annually in 2022 down to around 4 million by late 2023, and they've essentially plateaued since then. September's modest uptick did little to break the pattern of this stuck market. The lack of movement suggests sellers are waiting things out while buyers wrestle with affordability and rate uncertainty.

Key takeaway: Don't expect a sudden surge in home listings—the market is likely to stay quiet until something shifts for buyers or sellers.
Read full article →

Have questions about how any of this affects your mortgage or home purchase? We're here to help — reach out to the Jon Taw team any time and we'll walk you through your options.

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Jon Taw

Jon Taw

Edge Home Finance

jon@jontaw.com

4697801155

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