Matthew Ridley · September 3, 2026

The power of paying a little extra

Mortgage Market Update

Matthew Ridley

Matthew Ridley

Thursday, September 3, 2026

The power of paying a little extra

Hi there. This week I want to revisit something I see make a real difference for homeowners who take it seriously: the impact of extra principal payments on your equity and long-term costs.

National Mortgage Rates · August 27, 2026

30-Year Fixed

6.66%

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.


Building Equity

Why your extra payment matters more than you think

Every dollar you put toward principal—whether through your regular payment or an extra lump sum—builds real ownership in your home. Over time, those small moves compound into significant equity. I've seen borrowers who decided to round up their payments or apply bonuses to their mortgage end up years ahead, with thousands more in home equity and lower interest costs over the life of the loan. It's not dramatic or flashy, but it's one of the most reliable wealth-building tools available to homeowners. If you're curious about what your current equity position looks like, or whether a prepayment strategy makes sense for your situation, I'd love to walk through the numbers with you.

Reach out if you'd like to talk through how small adjustments to your payment could reshape your timeline.

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 Matthew Ridley team any time and we'll walk you through your options.

Your Mortgage Advisor

M

Matthew Ridley

Matthew Ridley

You are receiving this from Matthew Ridley.  Unsubscribe