Reyes Home Lending · September 17, 2026

Payment vs. rate: what matters most

Mortgage Market Update

Jaime Reyes

Reyes Home Lending

Thursday, September 17, 2026

Payment vs. rate: what matters most

Hi there. This week I want to talk about something I notice borrowers sometimes overlook—and it's one of the most important decisions you'll make.

National Mortgage Rates · September 10, 2026

Conventional 30-Year

6.76%

VA 30-Year

6.71%

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.


Affordability & Payments

When your payment matters more than the rate

Everyone focuses on interest rates, but here's what I see with my clients: sometimes the monthly payment is what actually determines whether a loan works for your life. Two borrowers with the same rate can end up with very different payments depending on loan length, down payment size, or whether they're paying mortgage insurance. If you're stretched thin month to month, a slightly longer loan term might be the right call—even if rates aren't perfect. If you've got breathing room in your budget, a shorter term could save you money over time. The goal isn't to chase the lowest rate; it's to find the loan that fits your actual situation. I'd love to walk through what your options look like.

Let's talk about what payment range makes sense for your household.

Tip of the Week

Replace weatherstripping around exterior doors every few years. It's one of the cheapest ways to improve energy efficiency.

Tips for Homeowners

USDA Loans: A Zero-Down Option for Rural Buyers

1.

USDA loans offer 100% financing (no down payment) for eligible properties in USDA-designated rural and suburban areas. The USDA's eligibility map may include areas closer to cities than you'd expect.

2.

USDA loans have income limits — typically 115% of the area median income. Both the property location and borrower income must qualify.

3.

There's an upfront guarantee fee (1% of the loan) and an annual fee (0.35% of the balance). These are lower than FHA mortgage insurance and can be rolled into the loan.

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

Your Mortgage Advisor

Jaime Reyes

Jaime Reyes

Reyes Home Lending

jaimereyes@reyeshomeloans.com

(307)871-0606

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Fort Collins, CO

(307)871-0606  |  www.reyeshomelending.com

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