Russell Kesterson · October 20, 2026

One small change that builds equity faster

Mortgage Market Update

My Mortgage Company

Russell Kesterson

Tuesday, October 20, 2026

One small change that builds equity faster

Everyone's mortgage works a little differently, and so does everyone's payoff timeline. Here's something worth thinking about this week.

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.


Cash Flow Strategy

When paying extra on your mortgage makes sense

One question I hear often: should I put more money toward my mortgage each month, or keep that cash available? The answer depends on your situation. If you have high-interest debt, an emergency fund that's thin, or upcoming expenses, holding onto liquidity usually makes more sense first. But if you're stable and rates are what they are, directing extra payments toward your principal can build equity faster and reduce the total interest you'll pay over time. The key is understanding your own priorities—this isn't a one-size-fits-all decision. I'm happy to walk through the numbers with you and help you figure out what aligns with your goals.

Reach out if you'd like to talk through your payoff strategy.

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 My Mortgage Company team any time and we'll walk you through your options.

Your Mortgage Advisor

M

My Mortgage Company

Russell Kesterson

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