Seeing your mortgage payment surge 20% can feel like a punch to the gut, especially when you weren’t expecting it. A jump that large can derail your monthly budget and stress your family’s finances. But there’s a path forward—you’re not helpless. Understanding why the increase happened and knowing the right moves can stop panic from taking over. So, here is what you need to know if your mortgage payment goes up.
Pinpoint the Cause of the Increase
When your mortgage payment goes up, first identify the trigger. Is it due to an adjustable-rate mortgage (ARM) resetting, a buydown period ending, or soaring property taxes or insurance? Even fixed-rate mortgages can climb if escrow shortages or rising tax assessments come into play. Dive into your statement—focus on the breakdown: principal, interest, taxes, and insurance (PITI). If something feels off, call your servicer immediately to get clarity.
Challenge Errors or Servicing Fees
Lenders sometimes add surprise servicing fees or miscalculate escrow accounts. When your mortgage payment goes up, these charges can sneak in unnoticed. If you suspect a mistake, call your servicer right away, document your call, and request a corrected statement. If that doesn’t resolve it, formally dispute the error in writing following CFPB guidelines. Don’t let errors become permanent charges on your account.
Refinance to Lock in a Better Rate
Refinancing is one of the most effective ways to combat a mortgage payment that goes up scenario especially if your loan is past a buydown or ARM period. Refinancing can secure a lower rate or extend the term to reduce monthly costs. A 15-year refinance might add stability and save on interest long-term despite higher payments than a 30-year loan. Crunch the numbers—refinancing fees matter—but it might ease immediate financial strain.
Explore Loan Modifications or Extensions
If refinancing isn’t a fit, your lender may offer a loan modification to adjust terms and prevent foreclosure. Options include extending the loan term, lowering your interest rate, or even pausing payments temporarily via forbearance. Some government programs let borrowers cap monthly payments at a manageable percentage of income. This could reduce your monthly payment even if refinancing isn’t possible.
Manage Escrow Surprises
Escrow increases from higher taxes or insurance premiums are common culprits when your mortgage payment goes up, even on fixed-rate loans. Review your escrow analysis; sometimes lenders allow spreading shortages over 12 months, easing the immediate impact. If your homeowner’s insurance jumped, shop around or ask your broker for better rates. Lowering these dashboard components can reduce your total payment dramatically.
Cancel Private Mortgage Insurance (PMI)
Did you start your mortgage with a down payment under 20%? Your loan likely came with PMI. Reaching 20-22% equity means you’re typically eligible to cancel PMI, dropping a big chunk of your monthly bill. Even before hitting that mark, refinancing into a loan without PMI could be worthwhile. If your mortgage payment goes up just because PMI hasn’t been canceled, it’s time to act.
Go Biweekly or Increase Payments
When your mortgage payment goes up, making biweekly payments or small extra payments can reduce the interest owed over time. That doesn’t lower your current bill, but it shortens the loan’s lifespan and speeds up equity growth. Over the long run, this strategy can offset future rate hikes. If refinancing or modifying isn’t an option, consider this as part of a strategy to get ahead.
Tighten Your Budget or Explore Side Income
A 20% jump in housing costs could force tough decisions. Review where you can trim discretionary spending and tighten your budget. Could lifestyle adjustments—for example, dialing back streaming, dining out, or leisure—help balance things out? Or use this as motivation to find side gigs or extra revenue, like freelancing or ridesharing? Taking action can cushion the blow while you’re resolving your mortgage situation.
Consider Downsizing or Renting Out Space
If your mortgage payment goes up to a point beyond affordability, it may be time to evaluate whether your current home still fits your financial reality. Downsizing to a smaller property or a lower-cost area could slash monthly housing costs. Alternatively, renting out a spare room or basement suite may offset the increase. While not easy, these options can be financial lifelines if remaining costs become unmanageable.
Don’t Let Payment Hikes Derail Your Financial Plan
A 20% increase in your mortgage payment can be scary, but not unbeatable. Taking control starts with knowing why your mortgage payment goes up, then exploring every available safety net—escrow adjustments, PMI cancellation, refinancing, modifications, budgeting, or side income. Homeownership means facing unexpected challenges, but being proactive keeps surprises from becoming crises. If your mortgage payment went up, start with understanding, then choose a strategy that matches your goals.
Has your mortgage payment soared recently? What steps did you take to handle it? Share your experience in the comments to help others facing the same challenge.
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Amanda Blankenship is a full-time stay-at-home mom. Her family recently welcomed their second child, a baby boy, into the world. She loves writing about various topics, including politics and personal finance. In her spare time, Amanda loves to play with her kids, make food from scratch, crochet, and read.
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