Robert Hendley · September 3, 2026

Your mortgage payment and interest rates

Mortgage Market Update

Robert Hendley

Robert Hendley

Thursday, September 3, 2026

Your mortgage payment and interest rates

Hi — this week I'm breaking down something I hear about a lot: how interest rates connect to your monthly payment, and why it matters.

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.


Payment Planning

What happens to your mortgage payment when rates move

A lot of people ask me whether a rate change means their monthly payment goes up right away. The answer depends on what kind of loan you have. If you're on 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, it's worth understanding how rate movements affect what you'll actually owe each month. When rates rise, your payment can increase; when they fall, you may have an opportunity to lower it. Knowing this helps you plan ahead and make smarter decisions about your finances.

If you'd like to walk through how rates might affect your specific situation, I'm here to help.

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

Your Mortgage Advisor

R

Robert Hendley

Robert Hendley

roberthendley@barrettfinancial.com

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