Jay Richardson · August 19, 2026

Your mortgage payment: what you should know

Mortgage Market Update

Jay Richardson

Jay Richardson

Wednesday, August 19, 2026

Your mortgage payment: what you should know

There's a lot of moving parts to a home loan. This week, I want to clear up something that catches a lot of homeowners off guard.

National Mortgage Rates · August 13, 2026

30-Year Fixed

6.67%

FHA 30-Year

6.47%

VA 30-Year

6.33%

Rate trend

Source: Freddie Mac PMMS & Optimal Blue via FRED

Rates shown are national averages 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.


Mortgage Basics

Why your monthly payment might change even if rates don't

Most people think their mortgage payment is locked in forever, but there are a few reasons it can shift over time. Property taxes and homeowners insurance — both part of your monthly bill — tend to increase. If you have an adjustable-rate mortgage, the rate itself can adjust after the initial fixed period. Even on a fixed-rate loan, if your escrow account (which holds funds for taxes and insurance) runs short, your lender may raise your payment to catch up. Understanding these moving parts helps you budget better and spot surprises before they arrive. If you'd like to review your loan and talk through what to expect down the road, I'm here to walk you through it.

Reach out anytime — I'm happy to explain your specific loan and what might change.

Tip of the Week

Inspect your attic insulation. Proper insulation reduces heating and cooling costs and can prevent ice dams on your roof.

Tips for Homeowners

Fall Home Prep: Heating, Safety & Systems

1.

Have your heating system serviced before it's needed. A furnace failure in winter is an emergency — routine maintenance costs far less than emergency repairs.

2.

Test smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors and replace batteries. Carbon monoxide poisoning risk rises when heating systems run more frequently.

3.

Drain and shut off exterior faucets and sprinkler systems before the first freeze to prevent burst pipes — one of the most expensive and disruptive homeowner emergencies.

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

Your Mortgage Advisor

J

Jay Richardson

Jay Richardson

jay.richardson@edgehomefinance.com

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