30
Mar
By First Rate Financial Group
Financial Reports

What’s Ahead For Mortgage Rates This Week – March 30th, 2026

With the current state of affairs, it is not surprising that a majority of the releases scheduled for this week have been delayed until next week. The only notable report set to be released is the consumer sentiment report, which has been showing month-to-month declines.

This has led to a very light week, with a heavy slate of inflation data scheduled for release next week. The PCE Index and CPI are both scheduled for next week.

Consumer Sentiment
The University of Michigan’s Consumer Sentiment Index fell sharply to 53.3 in March 2026, down from the preliminary estimate of 55.5 and below February’s 56.6. This places sentiment near record lows observed at the end of 2025, with declines spanning all age groups and political affiliations.

Households with middle and higher incomes, as well as those with stock wealth, experienced the steepest drops in confidence. The downturn reflects the impact of rising gas prices and financial market volatility, both exacerbated by the ongoing Iran conflict.

Primary Mortgage Market Survey Index

  • 15-Year FRM rates saw an increase of 0.21%, with the current rate at 5.75%
  • 30-Year FRM rates saw an increase of 0.16%, with the current rate at 6.38%

MND Rate Index

  • 30-Year FHA rates saw an increase of 0.10%, with current rates at 6.10%
  • 30-Year VA rates saw an increase of 0.11%, with current rates at 6.12%

Jobless Claims
Initial Claims were reported to be 210,000 compared to the expected claims of 210,000. The prior week landed at 205,000.

What’s Ahead
CPI and PCE Index data is set to release the next week along with other notable delayed releases such as unemployment data.

27
Mar
By First Rate Financial Group
Mortgage Tips

Qualifying for a Mortgage After Divorce

Divorce changes more than living arrangements. It reshapes income, assets, debt obligations, and financial documentation. Many individuals assume that divorce automatically complicates mortgage qualification.

While underwriting may require additional documentation, homeownership after divorce is absolutely possible with proper preparation. Understanding how lenders evaluate income and obligations in this situation creates clarity and confidence.

Income Stability Is Recalculated
After divorce, lenders assess your individual income rather than combined household earnings. If spousal support or child support is received, it may be considered qualifying income when properly documented and consistent. Conversely, if support is paid out, that obligation is factored into debt-to-income ratios. Clear documentation of court-ordered payments is essential.

Debt Division Must Be Reflected Properly
Even if a divorce decree assigns certain debts to a former spouse, lenders may still evaluate how those obligations appear on your credit report. If a joint account remains open, it can affect qualification. Refinancing joint debts or formally removing liability strengthens your mortgage profile.

Property Ownership Transitions Require Strategy
If one spouse is retaining the marital home, refinancing may be necessary to remove the other party from the mortgage. This requires qualifying independently. Equity buyouts, appraisal updates, and title adjustments must be handled carefully. Timing the refinance strategically can prevent financial strain.

Credit Profile May Shift
Divorce often impacts credit due to account closures, balance transfers, or temporary financial disruption. Reviewing your credit report early allows time to correct errors or address utilization changes. Stabilizing your credit profile before applying improves loan terms.

Reserve Positioning Adds Confidence
Lenders look for stability after major life changes. Maintaining strong liquid reserves demonstrates financial resilience. Savings can offset concerns about newly single income structures.

Divorce represents transition, not limitation. With structured documentation and careful planning, many individuals qualify successfully for new financing or refinancing after separation. If you are navigating mortgage decisions following divorce and want to evaluate your independent qualification, reach out to review your financing options with clarity and confidence.

26
Mar
By First Rate Financial Group
Mortgage Tips

How a Major Promotion Should Change Your Mortgage Strategy

Receiving a promotion often increases income and confidence. It can also create the temptation to upgrade housing immediately. While higher earnings expand borrowing capacity, a promotion should trigger evaluation rather than impulse. Mortgage strategy should adapt carefully to income growth to preserve long-term stability.

Increased Income Does Not Require Immediate Upgrade
Lenders may qualify you for a higher loan amount once income rises. However, immediately increasing housing costs can reduce financial flexibility. Promotions sometimes include probationary periods, variable bonuses, or performance metrics. Waiting to confirm income consistency protects against short-term volatility.

Reevaluate Debt-to-Income Positioning
Higher income improves debt-to-income ratios, potentially opening opportunities to refinance or eliminate mortgage insurance. Rather than increasing expenses, some borrowers choose to accelerate principal reduction or shorten loan term. Redirecting additional income strategically strengthens long-term equity growth.

Build Reserves Before Expanding Obligations
Income increases present an opportunity to strengthen emergency reserves. Expanding liquidity before increasing housing costs creates long-term protection. Promotions often come with lifestyle creep, but disciplined allocation preserves flexibility.

Consider Long-Term Career Stability
A promotion may signal upward mobility, but industry stability and role longevity should be evaluated. Mortgage commitments extend decades. Confirming that income growth is sustainable supports responsible borrowing.

Align Housing With Financial Vision
Rather than reacting emotionally, borrowers should assess whether larger housing expenses support broader goals such as retirement planning or future education costs.

A promotion is a milestone worth celebrating, but it should strengthen your mortgage strategy, not strain it. If your income has increased and you want to evaluate whether refinancing, restructuring, or accelerating payoff makes sense, reach out to review your mortgage plan with intention.