James S Boggs · September 10, 2026

Breaking down what your payment really covers

Mortgage Market Update

James S Boggs

James S Boggs

Thursday, September 10, 2026

Breaking down what your payment really covers

Your mortgage payment is more than just interest and principal. Here's what else you're paying for each month—and what you should know about it.

National Mortgage Rates · September 10, 2026

Conventional 30-Year

6.76%

FHA 30-Year

6.62%

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.

Check My Rate →

Mortgage Basics

What your monthly payment actually includes

When you get a mortgage quote, the payment number you see is doing a lot of heavy lifting. It covers principal and interest, yes—but it also typically includes property taxes, homeowners insurance, and mortgage insurance if you put down less than 20%. Understanding what each piece costs helps you budget better and spot where you might save money down the road. Some borrowers don't realize they can drop mortgage insurance once they've built enough equity, or that shopping for better insurance rates can lower that monthly number without refinancing. Knowing the full breakdown also helps you compare loan offers apples-to-apples. I'm happy to walk you through what your payment covers and where there might be room to optimize.

Let me show you exactly what goes into your number—reach out anytime.

Tip of the Week

Gift funds from family can be used toward a down payment on most loan types — your lender will need a simple gift letter.

Tips for Homeowners

VA Loans: Benefits Every Veteran Should Know

1.

VA loans require no down payment and no private mortgage insurance (PMI), making them one of the most powerful home-buying tools available to eligible veterans, active-duty service members, and surviving spouses.

2.

VA loans do require a funding fee (typically 1.25%–3.3% of the loan amount), which can be rolled into the loan. Veterans with a service-connected disability rating may be exempt from this fee.

3.

There's no VA loan limit for eligible borrowers with full entitlement — you can finance as much as a lender will approve. If you've had a prior VA loan, partial entitlement rules may apply.

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

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Your Mortgage Advisor

J

James S Boggs

James S Boggs

jboggs@barrettfinancial.com

210-378-5189

2701 East Insight Way, Suite 150, Chandler, AZ 85286

210-378-5189  |  https://www.barrettfinancial.com/jboggs

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