|
Mortgage Market Update
Rafael Santos
Rafael Santos
Tuesday, October 20, 2026
|
Where your mortgage payment actually goes |
|
Every mortgage payment is really three payments rolled into one. Let me explain what that means for you.
|
|
National Mortgage Rates · October 16, 2026
|
Conventional 30-Year
7.28%
|
|
| |
|
%22%2C%22fill%22%3Atrue%2C%22tension%22%3A0.4%2C%22pointRadius%22%3A4%2C%22pointBackgroundColor%22%3A%22%233b5bdb%22%2C%22borderWidth%22%3A2%7D%5D%7D%2C%22options%22%3A%7B%22plugins%22%3A%7B%22legend%22%3A%7B%22display%22%3Afalse%7D%7D%2C%22scales%22%3A%7B%22y%22%3A%7B%22ticks%22%3A%7B%22callback%22%3A%22function(v)%7Breturn%20v%2B%5C%22%25%5C%22%7D%22%2C%22color%22%3A%22%23666%22%7D%2C%22grid%22%3A%7B%22color%22%3A%22rgba(0%2C0%2C0%2C0.06)%22%7D%7D%2C%22x%22%3A%7B%22grid%22%3A%7B%22display%22%3Afalse%7D%2C%22ticks%22%3A%7B%22font%22%3A%7B%22size%22%3A11%7D%2C%22color%22%3A%22%23666%22%7D%7D%7D%7D%7D&w=520&h=180&bkg=white&f=12) |
|
Source: Optimal Blue daily mortgage indices via FRED
Rates shown are national mortgage index rates 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.
|
|
|
|
Escrow Basics
What's actually in that escrow account?
A lot of homeowners write their mortgage payment each month without really knowing what happens to it. Part goes to principal and interest, sure—but the rest typically flows into an escrow account that your lender manages on your behalf. That money covers property taxes and homeowners insurance when the bills come due. It's a simple system, but it helps prevent surprises and keeps your home protected. The catch: escrow balances can shift based on changes to tax assessments or insurance premiums, so your payment can move up or down. Understanding what's in there and why gives you real peace of mind about where your money goes. If you'd like a breakdown of your escrow account or have questions about your payment, I'm here to walk you through it.
|
|
Tip of the Week
Your loan officer can run a credit simulator to show exactly which actions will move your score the most.
|
|
Tips for Homeowners
Year-End Tax & Mortgage Planning
|
|
1.
|
Consider making your January mortgage payment in December to get an extra month of deductible interest in the current tax year (consult your tax advisor first).
|
|
2.
|
If you plan to sell next year, now is a good time to document improvements — receipts and records add to your cost basis and reduce taxable capital gain at sale.
|
|
3.
|
Review your W-4 withholding if you bought a home this year — your mortgage interest deduction may mean you're having too much withheld from each paycheck.
|
|
|
Have questions about how any of this affects your mortgage or home purchase? We're here to help — reach out to the Rafael Santos team any time and we'll walk you through your options. |
|
|
You are receiving this from Rafael Santos. Unsubscribe
|