Jon Puente · October 20, 2026

What really moves your monthly payment

 

Tuesday, October 20, 2026

Mortgage Market Update

What really moves your monthly payment

Hi there. This week I want to cut through some of the noise around rates and talk about what actually shapes what you pay each month.

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.

Affordability & Payment

Why your rate matters less than you think

I talk to a lot of people who fixate on interest rates—and I get it. A rate move can feel huge. But here's what I've learned: your monthly payment depends on three things working together: the rate, the loan amount, and how long you're borrowing. A lower rate helps, sure. But so does a bigger down payment, a longer loan term, or even just waiting to buy a less expensive home. Before you chase a rate drop, it's worth stepping back and asking what actually moves the needle on affordability for your situation. That's where a real conversation helps. Let's talk through what matters most to you.

Reach out if you'd like to explore what a realistic payment looks like for your goals.

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 Jon Puente team any time and we'll walk you through your options.

Your Mortgage Advisor

Jon Puente

Jon Puente

Jon Puente

jon.puente@edgehomefinance.com

269-599-3395

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5860 Baker Road, Minnetonka, MN, 55345

269-599-3395

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