Shane Braninburg — Shane Braninburg · September 2, 2026

Your mortgage payment is only half the story

Mortgage Market Update

My Mortgage Company

Shane Braninburg — Shane Braninburg

Wednesday, September 2, 2026

Your mortgage payment is only half the story

I spend a lot of time talking about rates and payments, but there's something equally important I want to share.

National Mortgage Rates · August 27, 2026

30-Year Fixed

6.66%

FHA 30-Year

6.55%

Rate trend

Source: Freddie Mac PMMS & Optimal Blue via FRED

Rates shown are national averages 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.


Smart Money Habits

Why your mortgage payment matters less than you think

I talk to homeowners who focus entirely on their monthly payment—and that's understandable. But here's what I've learned: the payment is just one piece of the real picture. What actually moves the needle on your financial health is how much principal you're paying down each month, how your equity is growing, and whether your loan terms align with your long-term plans. Two people can have the same payment but very different outcomes over ten years. That's why I always encourage clients to look beyond the number on the bill and ask the bigger questions: Am I building wealth at the pace I want? Could a different loan structure serve my goals better? Understanding the full story helps you make smarter choices about your home and your money.

Let's talk through what your mortgage is really doing for you—reach out anytime.

Tip of the Week

Your mortgage interest may be tax-deductible if you itemize. Check with your tax professional to see if it benefits you.

Tips for Homeowners

Understanding Mortgage Points

1.

One mortgage point equals 1% of your loan amount. Paying points ("buying down the rate") reduces your interest rate — typically 0.25% per point, though this varies by lender and market.

2.

Calculate your break-even: divide the cost of the points by your monthly savings. If it takes 4 years to break even and you plan to stay 10 years, buying points makes sense.

3.

Points paid on a home purchase are generally tax-deductible in the year paid (if you itemize). Points on a refinance must be deducted over the life of the loan.

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

Shane Braninburg — Shane Braninburg

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