Jake McDonald · September 3, 2026

Why your mortgage payment might not change when rates move

Mortgage Market Update

Jake McDonald

Jake McDonald

Thursday, September 3, 2026

Why your mortgage payment might not change when rates move

Hi there. This week I want to clear up a common source of confusion about how rates and payments work together.

National Mortgage Rates · August 27, 2026

30-Year Fixed

6.66%

FHA 30-Year

6.56%

VA 30-Year

6.40%

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

What happens to your mortgage payment when rates change

I get this question a lot: if rates move, does my payment change too? The answer depends on what kind of loan you have. If you're locked into a fixed-rate mortgage, your payment stays the same for the life of the loan — that's the whole point of "fixed." But if you're considering an adjustable-rate loan or thinking about refinancing, rate changes absolutely matter. When rates go up or down in the broader market, it affects what new loans cost, which shapes whether refinancing makes financial sense. It also affects how much home you can afford if you're buying soon. Understanding this connection helps you make smarter decisions about timing and loan choices.

Let's talk about what rate movements mean for your specific situation.

Tip of the Week

Schedule a plumber to inspect older homes for slow leaks — water damage is expensive and often hidden until it's serious.

Tips for Homeowners

Jumbo Loans: What They Are and How They Work

1.

A jumbo loan exceeds the conforming loan limit set by the FHFA — $766,550 in most areas for 2024, higher in designated high-cost markets. These loans can't be sold to Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac.

2.

Jumbo loans typically require stronger credit (often 700+), larger down payments (10–20%), and more cash reserves. Underwriting is more thorough and can take longer.

3.

Rates on jumbo loans are sometimes comparable to or even lower than conforming rates, depending on market conditions. Don't assume a jumbo loan means a worse deal — shop lenders.

Have questions about how any of this affects your mortgage or home purchase? We're here to help — reach out to the Jake McDonald team any time and we'll walk you through your options.

Your Mortgage Advisor

J

Jake McDonald

Jake McDonald

jakemcdonald@canopymortgage.com

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