[August 24, 2026] Moxie Minute

by Robert Lucido Jr

THE WEEKLY BRIEFING

MOXIE MINUTE

August 24, 2026

Rate Radar

Conv	6.78%	0.01▲
FHA	6.34%	0.01▲
VA	6.36%	0.01▲
Jumbo	6.88%	0.00▲
10YT	4.70%	0.038▼

Source: Moxie Mortgage | MND

Updated: 01:35 PM

Give your clients the advantage— Moxie more options, faster closings, and real savings at closing and on future refinances.

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Market Metrics

Existing Home Sales

4.06 Million

Median Home Price

$434,100

Months of Inventory

4.6 Months

Home Value Appreciation

1.27%

Average Rent

$1,667, -1.7% YoY

Local Trends

30-Day Outlook

What to Watch

•Monitor the August Jobs Report on September 4th, as a cooling labor market is the most likely catalyst for a sustained drop in mortgage bond yields.

•Watch for Fed Chair commentary following the Jackson Hole conference for signals of a definitive rate pivot in the upcoming September meeting.

•Track national inventory levels; if the months of supply crosses the 5-month threshold, it will signal the first truly balanced market in over a decade.

Game Plan

•The market is entering a slow-motion leverage transfer where buyers are gaining power as inventory nears balanced levels of 4.6 months.

•Stability in sales volume despite rates near 7% indicates significant pent-up demand and a solid floor for the national housing market.

•Extreme regional divergence persists, with the Midwest showing annual growth while the West and South face more significant cooling and price adjustments.

Agent Talk Track

"It sounds like you're feeling a bit stuck because of where the rates are right now. If we were to find a home that fits your life perfectly, what would it mean for you to secure it now versus waiting for a crowd of other buyers to show up later? How would it feel to have more choices today while other people are still sitting on the sidelines?"

Weekly Briefing

Top insights from the last 7 days

National Association of REALTORS • August 11, 2026

Existing Home Sales Slip to 4.06M as Supply Nears Balanced Territory

Existing-home sales fell 1.7% in July to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 4.06 million, though they remain 0.7% higher than last year. Unsold inventory held steady at a 4.6-month supply, the highest level in years, signaling a shift toward a more balanced market.

The Bottom Line:

LOs and Realtors should highlight that the increase in inventory to 4.6 months is giving buyers the most leverage they have had since 2011.

Read Full Analysis →

National Association of REALTORS • August 18, 2026

Pending Home Sales Hit Lowest Level Since January on Rate Volatility

Signed contracts for existing homes dropped 2.3% in July, falling to their lowest level in seven months. NAR Chief Economist Lawrence Yun attributed the pull-back to the highest mortgage rates of the year hitting during the peak summer months.

The Bottom Line:

This indicates a temporary cooling in closed sales for September and October, suggesting a window of opportunity for aggressive buyer negotiations right now.

Read Full Analysis →

Real Wealth • August 24, 2026

30-Year Fixed Mortgage Rate Drops for Second Consecutive Week

Mortgage rates have continued their modest retreat for a second week, dipping as inflation fears begin to stabilize. The average 30-year fixed rate is showing resilience below the 7% mark as markets anticipate upcoming Fed moves.

The Bottom Line:

Use this recent downward trend to re-engage 'on-the-fence' buyers who were discouraged by the rate spikes seen earlier this summer.

Read Full Analysis →

Key Events Dashboard

August 28, 2026

PCE Price Index

High

Market Significance:

This is the Fed's preferred inflation gauge and will dictate whether they feel comfortable cutting rates in September.

September 4, 2026

August Jobs Report

High

Market Significance:

Labor market strength is the last pillar keeping rates elevated; any sign of weakness will likely trigger a rally in mortgage bonds.

September 11, 2026

CPI Inflation Report

High

Market Significance:

The final major inflation print before the next FOMC meeting, serving as the ultimate confirmation for market pricing.

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MOXIE MINUTE

Legal Disclaimer: This report is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, legal, or investment advice. Mortgage rates and market data are subject to change without notice. All loan programs are subject to credit and property approval. This is not a commitment to lend.

Moxie Mortgage is a division of Nexa Lending, an Equal Housing Lender. NMLS: 1660690