Rodney Hart - Mortgage Loan Consultant NMLS #517986

10/30/2026

FRIDAY COMMENTARY

Good morning and happy Friday!

Clocks go back this weekend, hopefully back to when we could afford life and people weren’t stupid.

MARKET UPDATE
The Fed met and left rates unchanged. Post-meeting comments did not directly project an increase in December but did strengthen market expectations for one. Consumer confidence rebounded sharply in October. 3Q GDP was up 3.4%, higher than expected. Jobless claims fell to the lowest levels since July. PCE inflation was about as expected.

Such strong economic data would normally hurt rates. But, mortgage rates have continued to inch down to multi-week lows. The elections next week could have significant market impacts.

MORTGAGE TIDBIT
VA Purchase Funding Fees

Down Payment / First-Time Use / Subsequent (Repeat) Use
Less than 5% / 2.15% / 3.30%
5% to 9.99% / 1.50% / 1.50%
10% or more / 1.25% / 1.25%

FROM THE HART
Halloween is tomorrow, and election day is Tuesday. Those seem to go well together. Which one is scarier? Both involve tricks, treats, and people pretending to be something they are not. Will you participate in both, one, or neither?

Should Christians participate in Halloween? I think it depends on what we are doing. I will be giving candy to children who come to my door. I try not to fool around with anything spiritually dark, demonic, or satanic. God’s Word is very clear about such things. To love the Lord is to hate evil (Psalm 97:10).

Should Christians vote, and how should they vote? I think we absolutely should, guided by God’s Word. God tells us to seek the welfare of our cities (Jeremiah 29:7). Romans 13:1-7 teaches that government is established by God to promote good and restrain/punish evil. We are called to be salt and light to the world (Matthew 5:13-16). We should support what God supports and reject what He rejects. And, don’t confuse the world’s definitions with God’s for good, evil, right, wrong, and love. 2 Cor 10:5 says, “We destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God, and take every thought captive to obey Christ.”

We will know people by their fruit (Matthew 7:16), not their words or appearances (John 7:24). The most often quoted and misused Bible verse is “Judge not.” The context in Matthew 7 actually teaches to not judge hypocritically. God tells us to judge fairly and with right judgement (Leviticus 19:15, John 7:24). Proverbs 31:9 says, "Open your mouth, judge righteously, and defend the cause of the poor and needy.”

Jesus openly criticizes the churches in Revelation for pagan practices and affiliations and tolerating evil. 2 Corinthians 6:14 says, “What partnership have righteousness and lawlessness, or what fellowship has light with darkness?” Eph 5:11 says, “Take no part in the unfruitful works of darkness, but instead expose them.”

God guides us through prayer, His Word, and His church.

Have a great weekend!

*This information is for general informational and educational purposes only and does not constitute investment, legal or tax advice. All information is provided in good faith; however, no representation or warranty is made of any kind, expressed or implied, regarding the accuracy and validity of any information. The information contained herein represents the views and opinions of the author and does not necessarily represent the views and opinions of Trustmark Bank, and Trustmark Bank does not make any representations or warranties with respect to its accuracy or reliability. *

image001.png

10/28/2026

10/26/2026

Mortgage rates fell for the first time in two months this week as investors sought safety in government bonds, spurred by cooling stock and tech markets and a sharp pullback in new-housing starts fueling inflation fears.

10/23/2026

FRIDAY COMMENTARY

Good morning and happy Friday!

The older I get, the more I understand why cats walk away mid conversation.

MARKET UPDATE
Mortgage rates have dropped! This is after several weeks of steadily increasing. One reason is the flight away from risky AI stocks to safer investments, like bonds, which helps mortgage rates. This very well could be temporary, as we have some potential market-moving events coming up: Fed meeting next week, elections the following week, potential military action after the elections. The fear of renewed military action has pushed oil prices higher, which increases inflation concerns, which could push rates back up.

MORTGAGE TIDBIT
WHAT NOT TO DO WHEN GETTING A MORTGAGE
Open new credit
Move money around
Buy a car
Change jobs, quit your job, or get fired from your job
Go on vacation or become unavailable
Lie to your loan officer (we verify everything)
Over-share with your loan officer (sometimes less is more)

FROM THE HART
One of the most liberating and joyful doctrines in the Bible is repentance, turning away from sin/self and toward God. Jesus came preaching repentance to be saved and inherit the kingdom of God (Matthew 4:17, Mark 1:15, Luke 5:32). He said unless we repent, we will perish (Luke 13:3). It is God’s desire that we all turn and live (Ezekiel 18:32, 2 Peter 3:9). “The sacrifices God desires are a humble spirit – O God, a humble and repentant heart you will not reject.” - Psalm 51:17

Repentance does not just give us eternal life. It allows us to live now freely and abundantly (John 10:10, Galatians 5:1). It is not a one-time event but a lifestyle, even for those who have been saved. I know this from experience. I mess up all the time. I am amazed at God’s kindness and patience toward me. He says, “Return to me, and I will return to you.”(Zechariah 1:3, Malachi 3:7) “Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts; let him return to the Lord, that he may have compassion on him, and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon.” (Isaiah 55:7)

God’s new mercies await us every morning (Lamentations 3:22-23). His mercy triumphs over judgement (James 2:13). No matter what we have done or how many times we have messed up, we can repent and walk with the Lord in joy and freedom.

Have a great weekend!

*This information is for general informational and educational purposes only and does not constitute investment, legal or tax advice. All information is provided in good faith; however, no representation or warranty is made of any kind, expressed or implied, regarding the accuracy and validity of any information. The information contained herein represents the views and opinions of the author and does not necessarily represent the views and opinions of Trustmark Bank, and Trustmark Bank does not make any representations or warranties with respect to its accuracy or reliability. *

image001.png

10/16/2026

FRIDAY COMMENTARY

Good morning and happy Friday!

The Bible says our bodies are temples. Mine apparently has a fellowship hall that wants snacks.

MARKET UPDATE
Some think 30-year fixed mortgage rates in the mid 7’s is the new normal. Rates reached three-week lows this week, even though CPI and PPI showed higher than expected inflation numbers. Part of the reason is a selloff in technology and AI stocks and a move more toward safer stocks and treasury bonds, which helps mortgage bonds. Consumer and business sentiment are down, but spending is still up (retail sales numbers came in higher than expected).

September exiting home sales slightly exceeded expectations, although it was the slowest month so far this year. Now is a good time to get a better deal on a home while there is less competition and before holidays.

MORTGAGE TIDBIT
FHA MORTGAGE INSURANCE PREMIUMS

FHA loans have an upfront premium of 1.75% of the loan amount. This can be financed into the loan. Additionally, FHA loans have an annual premium included in the monthly payment, no matter the down payment. For most FHA loans in our area, which have a max loan amount of $541, 287, the annual MI premium for terms over 15 years is .50% (of the loan amount) if the loan-to-value (LTV) ratio is 90% or less, .55% if LTV is over 90%.

FROM THE HART
We are in an election season. Those running for office are trying to convince us to vote for them. They say a lot of things that sound really great and compelling. Here is a very important truth: people lie. We cannot trust everything people say, especially campaigning politicians. Politicians are like diapers. They should be changed often and for the same reason.

Who do you trust? Who do you most listen to? Who do you follow on social media? Why? Do you most like to listen to people because they speak truth, or because they say things you want to hear? If it’s truth we want, we have to accept that it is sometimes unpleasant or painful. If it is what we want to hear, it is not necessarily true.

God never lies (Titus 1:2, Hebrews 6:18, Numbers 23:19), and His Word is true (Psalm 119:160). That being the case, there is much in the Bible that is uncomfortable and unpleasant to us. That’s the nature of truth. We can accept it or reject it, but our preference has nothing to do with it being true or not. There are a lot of false teachers that sound great but are deceivers. Satan himself is the greatest deceiver of all. And, He knows the Word of God and how to effectively twist and distort it. Our only defense is to know the truth very well, ourselves.

We should value truth over feelings. We should accept conviction and repent from our sins. We should spend time reading AND meditating on Scripture. We should follow Jesus, and surround ourselves with others who are following Jesus. If we abide (remain) in His Word, we are truly His disciples, and we will know the truth, and the truth will set us free (John 8:31-32).

Have a great weekend!

*This information is for general informational and educational purposes only and does not constitute investment, legal or tax advice. All information is provided in good faith; however, no representation or warranty is made of any kind, expressed or implied, regarding the accuracy and validity of any information. The information contained herein represents the views and opinions of the author and does not necessarily represent the views and opinions of Trustmark Bank, and Trustmark Bank does not make any representations or warranties with respect to its accuracy or reliability. *

image001.png

10/09/2026

FRIDAY COMMENTARY

Good morning and happy Friday!

I’m adopting a healthier lifestyle. Now I park and walk inside to buy donuts instead of using the drive-thru.

MARKET UPDATE
The weaker-than-expected September payrolls report has reduced expectations for an October Fed hike, with markets now placing roughly a 20 percent probability on another 25-basis point increase, as the Fed weighs softer labor-market momentum against its ongoing concern about inflation. Business activity remained healthy, but the prices companies are paying climbed to the highest level since 2022. That brought inflation concerns back to the table and pushed the 10 year Treasury and mortgage rates higher earlier this week. Fortunately, rates ended yesterday at the lowest levels in 2 weeks after the biggest daily drop in 3 months.

MORTGAGE TIDBIT
MAJOR APPRAISAL CHANGES (UAD 3.6)

The real estate industry is undergoing its largest appraisal overhaul since 2011. The new process and reports are completely different. Expect longer turn times and higher appraisal fees.

FROM THE HART
Hurricane Isaias is about to hit the gulf coast and make its way to my neck of the woods in the morning. Pray for everyone in the path of this storm. We take shelter, knowing that God is our ultimate shelter and refuge (Isaiah 4:6). We need not fear because God is present to strengthen, help, and uphold us (Isaiah 41:10).

For those who are watching and eagerly awaiting the return of the Lord (Philippians 3:20), as excavation is currently going on in Turkey at the site of what some are convinced is Noah’s ark, a storm named Isaias quickly approaching may be the latest of many signs of the times. The name Isaias is the Spanish and Portuguese form of the ancient Hebrew name Yeshayahu, which means "Yahweh is salvation" or "God is my salvation." The name honors the 8th-century BC Old Testament prophet Isaiah (author of the Book of Isaiah), who is a major prophetic figure in Judaism and Christianity.

Early Church Fathers often dubbed Isaiah the "Fifth Gospel" because it contains the Old Testament's most highly developed Christology (prophecies regarding the life, virgin birth, and suffering of Jesus Christ), written 700 years before the birth of Jesus. Isaiah is one of the 4 most referenced books of the Old Testament by Jesus (1- Psalms, 2- Deuteronomy, 3- Isaiah, 4- Exodus). Isaiah contains exactly 66 chapters, perfectly mirroring the 66 books of the Christian Bible. The first 39 chapters mirror the Old Testament's focus on law and judgment, while the final 27 chapters perfectly mirror the New Testament's focus on grace, comfort, the coming Messiah and His Kingdom.

Isaiah holds a unique place in modern archaeology. Discovered in the Qumran caves in 1946, the Great Isaiah Scroll was found 100% physically intact. Dating back to roughly 125 BC, it is the oldest complete copy of any biblical book ever discovered and proved that the text had not changed over thousands of years. “The grass withers and the flowers fade, but the word of Our God endures forever” – Isaiah 40:8.

God’s Word is not limited to the pages of our Bibles. It is all around us, living and active (Hebrews 4:12)! World events were foretold long ago (Isaiah 41:22, 44:7, 48:3). “I make known the end from the beginning, from ancient times, what is still to come. I say, ‘My purpose will stand, and I will do all that I please” – Isaiah 46:10. Jesus said, in John 14:29, “And now I have told you before it happens, so that when it does happen, you will believe.”

Have a great weekend!

*This information is for general informational and educational purposes only and does not constitute investment, legal or tax advice. All information is provided in good faith; however, no representation or warranty is made of any kind, expressed or implied, regarding the accuracy and validity of any information. The information contained herein represents the views and opinions of the author and does not necessarily represent the views and opinions of Trustmark Bank, and Trustmark Bank does not make any representations or warranties with respect to its accuracy or reliability. *

image001.png

10/03/2026

✨ Your dream home may be closer than you think! 🏡 Explore 2/1 and 3/1 buydown options designed to give you more flexibility as you settle into your new home.
Let’s see what might work for you!