09/08/2026
September Interest Rate Forecast
Welcome to my September newsletter. Yesterday's jobs report brought some genuinely encouraging news, and when you combine it with July’s inflation data and where the bond market is heading, the picture for mortgage rates is starting to look a little more defined than it did a month ago.
Nationally, mortgage rates edged higher again this week. According to Freddie Mac's September 3 survey, the 30-year fixed averaged 6.71%, up from 6.66% the prior week, while the 15-year fixed came in at 6.04%.
Here is where local rates stand this week:
- 5.625% on 7-year jumbo ARMs up to $5M with full income documentation, depending on LTV and credit
- 5.875% on 10-year jumbo ARMs up to $5M with full documentation, varying by structure and profile
- Bank-statement loans for self-employed borrowers remain in the mid-to-high 6% range, depending on credit score and loan to value
- Lower rates available through a private banking relationship
Yesterday's U.S. jobs report delivered a genuine surprise to the upside. The economy added 162,000 jobs in August, more than triple the 12-month average of 31,000 and significantly ahead of the 55,000 economists expected. The unemployment rate held at 4.1%, and average hourly earnings rose 0.3% for the month and 3.1% year-over-year.
July’s inflation data showed consumer prices rose just 0.1% for the month, with annual inflation at 3.4%. Core inflation, which strips out food and energy, came in at 2.5% year-over-year.
According to Realtor.com's July 2026 Los Angeles market report, the median list price is $1.1 million, down 4.5% from a year ago. Homes are taking a median of 52 days to sell, and 16% of listings have seen price cuts, a sign that sellers are adjusting to meet the market.
The opportunity right now is for buyers who are prepared and working with a lender who can move quickly when the right property appears.
Trust the #1 Mortgage Broker in the U.S.* to get your deal done.
We are proud to offer some of the best financing options available and can close quickly. Read our newsletter for more news and the latest mortgage rates. Call us today at 310.777.5401 for more details or apply for financing directly on our website - cohenfinancialgroup.com.
*Based on 2026 Scotsman Guide ranking.