Brian Thompson · September 2, 2026

Your down payment is working harder than you realize

Mortgage Market Update

Brian Thompson

Brian Thompson

Wednesday, September 2, 2026

Your down payment is working harder than you realize

Hi there. This week I want to walk you through something a lot of first-time buyers gloss over—and how it can change the whole game.

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 down payment matters more than you think

When you're saving for a home, the down payment feels like the biggest hurdle—and it is. But it's also one of the most powerful levers you control. A larger down payment means a smaller loan, lower monthly payments, and you start building equity faster. It also affects the terms lenders can offer you and whether you'll need mortgage insurance. Even if you can't put down twenty percent, putting down more than the minimum when you're able can shift your whole financial picture. Every extra dollar upfront is a dollar you're not paying interest on for thirty years. If you're thinking about buying soon or curious about what your down payment options really mean for your bottom line, I'd love to talk through the numbers with you.

Reach out and let's look at what makes sense for your situation.

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

Your Mortgage Advisor

B

Brian Thompson

Brian Thompson

brian.thompson@hmmtg.com

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