Michele de Vahle · September 2, 2026

Why your payment might not change (even if rates do)

Mortgage Market Update

Michele de Vahle

Michele de Vahle

Wednesday, September 2, 2026

Why your payment might not change (even if rates do)

Hi there. I wanted to clear up a common point of confusion I hear from clients this week.

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.


Payment Planning

What happens to your mortgage when rates shift

A lot of homeowners ask me how rate changes affect their monthly payment—and the answer depends on what type of loan you have. If you're locked into a fixed rate, your payment stays the same, no matter what happens in the market. That stability is one reason many people choose fixed-rate mortgages. But if you're shopping for a home or thinking about your options, it's worth understanding how rate movements ripple through your affordability. When rates rise, the same home price means a higher monthly payment. When rates fall, your payment pressure eases—though it's not automatic unless you refinance. The key is knowing your own situation so you can make moves that work for your goals, not react to noise.

Let's talk about what your rate environment means for your timeline and budget.

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 Michele de Vahle team any time and we'll walk you through your options.

Your Mortgage Advisor

M

Michele de Vahle

Michele de Vahle

mdevahle@power-lending.com

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