OHL · September 2, 2026

One way to shorten your mortgage faster

Mortgage Market Update

OHL

OHL

Wednesday, September 2, 2026

One way to shorten your mortgage faster

Hi there. I want to share a straightforward strategy that can make a real difference in your financial picture—no rate changes or new loans required.

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.


Prepayment Power

Small extra payments, big long-term wins

One of the smartest moves a homeowner can make doesn't require refinancing or waiting for rates to drop—it's simply paying a little extra toward principal whenever you can. Even modest amounts add up over time, shortening your loan and reducing the total interest you'll pay. Some borrowers round up their monthly payment; others put a bonus check toward principal once or twice a year. The key is consistency and making sure your lender applies it correctly. If you've ever wondered whether your extra dollars are actually working for you, or whether it's worth the effort, I'd love to walk you through the math on your specific loan.

Reach out if you'd like to see how prepayment could reshape your mortgage timeline.

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

Your Mortgage Advisor

O

OHL

OHL

john@obrienhl.com

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