Liz Rich — Elizabeth Rich · September 2, 2026

What you'll actually pay to own this home

Mortgage Market Update

My Mortgage Company

Liz Rich — Elizabeth Rich

Wednesday, September 2, 2026

What you'll actually pay to own this home

Hi there. This week I want to talk about something that trips up a lot of people—the difference between a mortgage payment and the true cost of homeownership.

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.


Monthly Payment Reality

Your payment is only part of the cost

When you're looking at a loan estimate or thinking about buying, the monthly payment gets all the attention. But I've learned that borrowers who do well are the ones who see the whole picture: property taxes, insurance, HOA fees, maintenance, and utilities all add up fast. Missing these costs is how people end up house-poor. Before you fall in love with a property, run the numbers on everything, not just the mortgage payment. That gives you a real sense of whether a home fits your budget and your life. I'm happy to walk through what to expect so there are no surprises down the road.

Let's talk through your total housing costs—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

Liz Rich — Elizabeth Rich

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