Jessica DeMott · October 20, 2026

What's really behind your monthly payment

Mortgage Market Update

My Mortgage Company

Jessica DeMott

Tuesday, October 20, 2026

What's really behind your monthly payment

One of the smartest money moves is understanding exactly where every dollar goes. This week I want to talk about what actually determines your mortgage payment—and why knowing this matters for your wallet.

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.


Payment Reality

Why your monthly payment matters more than the rate alone

When rates move, the conversation usually stops at the number itself. But here's what actually hits your budget: your monthly payment. Two borrowers with different loan terms, down payments, or loan amounts can face very different payments even when rates are similar. The real picture includes your principal, interest, taxes, insurance, and any mortgage insurance—all of it adds up to what you actually write a check for each month. Understanding how each piece works helps you make smarter decisions about whether to refinance, what loan term makes sense for your situation, or how much home you can truly afford right now. I'm happy to walk through what your payment would look like under different scenarios.

Let me show you how the numbers break down for your specific situation.

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

Jessica DeMott

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