Mike Edwards · October 20, 2026

Where your mortgage payment really goes

Mortgage Market Update

Mike Edwards

Mike Edwards

Tuesday, October 20, 2026

Where your mortgage payment really goes

Here's something I find most homeowners don't fully understand: how their monthly payment splits between principal and interest. Let me explain why it matters.

National Mortgage Rates · October 16, 2026

Conventional 30-Year

7.28%

FHA 30-Year

7.13%

VA 30-Year

6.93%

Rate trend

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.


Paying Down Principal

Why your mortgage payment splits the way it does

Every month, your payment goes toward two things: interest and principal. Early on, most of it covers interest—that's just how mortgages work. But as time passes, more of each payment goes straight toward building your equity. Understanding this split matters because it shows you're making real progress, even when it doesn't always feel that way. If you've been in your home for a few years, you might be surprised how much principal you've already paid down. If you're considering a big financial move—refinancing, selling, or paying extra toward principal—knowing where you actually stand makes all the difference.

If you'd like to see a breakdown of your own payment and what it means for your equity, I'd be happy to walk through it with you.

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 Mike Edwards team any time and we'll walk you through your options.

Your Mortgage Advisor

M

Mike Edwards

Mike Edwards

mike.edwards@onerealmortgage.com

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