Shakelia LeBlanc · September 17, 2026

Your mortgage payment is only half the equation

Mortgage Market Update

My Mortgage Company

Shakelia LeBlanc

Thursday, September 17, 2026

Your mortgage payment is only half the equation

Hi there. This week I want to remind you of something borrowers sometimes overlook when they're managing their homes or shopping for a new one.

National Mortgage Rates · September 10, 2026

Conventional 30-Year

6.76%

FHA 30-Year

6.82%

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.


Smart Money

Why your mortgage payment might not tell the whole story

When you're looking at a home or thinking about your current loan, it's easy to focus on that monthly payment number. But the payment is just one part of your total housing cost. Property taxes, insurance, HOA fees, and maintenance all add up—and they can change over time in ways that affect your budget more than you'd expect. Understanding the full picture helps you make decisions that actually work for your life, not just decisions that look good on paper. If you'd like to talk through what your true housing costs look like, I'm here to help you see the real numbers.

Let's review your complete picture—reach out anytime.

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 My Mortgage Company team any time and we'll walk you through your options.

Your Mortgage Advisor

M

My Mortgage Company

Shakelia LeBlanc

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