Your mortgage isn’t the problem — it’s what’s hiding inside it. Here’s what to check before January hits.
It happens every December.
Suddenly your payment jumps.
You’re confused, stressed, and wondering what changed.
Spoiler: It’s not just the holidays squeezing your budget.
It’s your mortgage revealing the problems that have been quietly building all year.
Here’s what to look for now — before January makes them worse.
#1: Escrow surprises aren’t really surprises
You didn’t expect your payment to spike.
But the reason it happened now is timing:
Insurance renewals land
Property tax hikes kick in
Lenders recalculate your escrow
The result? A “shortage” letter you weren’t prepared for.
Fix it fast:
Call your servicer and ask about spread payments
Consider a one-time lump sum
Re-shop your insurance
File a tax reassessment request
But don’t wait — if you don’t ask, you won’t get options.
#2: Insurance is quietly eating your payment
Premiums have skyrocketed.
In states like Florida or California, carriers are even pulling out.
What happens next?
Less competition
Fewer options
Higher costs
Most people miss the 30–60 day notice from their provider.
And by the time you realize your payment jumped, it’s too late.
Fix it fast:
Shop multiple carriers
Ask about higher deductibles
Strip out junk coverage
Bundle home + auto for 10–20% savings
#3: That property tax hike? It’s showing up now
New tax assessments often hit Q4.
And if you bought a home late in the year, it’s easy to miss them.
Lenders adjust your escrow based on these updates.
And suddenly, your monthly payment jumps.
Fix it fast:
File an appeal
Request a reanalysis from your lender
Double-check that you’re not overpaying
1. Check your credit report regularly
This is a no-brainer, but it's worth repeating. Make sure to check your credit report for any errors or fraudulent activity. You can get a free credit report from each of the three major credit bureaus every year, so take advantage of it.
2. Pay your bills on time
This one seems obvious, but it's worth emphasizing. Late payments can have a big impact on your credit score, so set up automatic payments or reminders to make sure you're always on time.
3. Lower your credit utilization ratio
Your credit utilization ratio is the amount of credit you're using compared to your credit limit. Aim to keep your utilization ratio under 30% to improve your score.
#4: ARM and PMI sneak up when you’re distracted
Adjustable rate loans reset on your mortgage anniversary.
So do PMI timelines.
December makes it really easy to miss this stuff.
Fix it fast:
Ask your lender for your ARM adjustment schedule
Request an appraisal to drop PMI sooner
Explore refinancing while rates are in your favor
#5: Holiday spending doesn’t cause the problem — it reveals it
You only feel the pain now because:
Credit cards are full
Budgets are tight
Emergency funds are low
So when something changes in your mortgage…
You don’t have the buffer to absorb it.
That’s why December is the perfect time for a full review.
Before January hits, I’ll help you build a Q1 plan that includes:
Insurance
Property taxes
Refinancing
PMI
Emergency reserves
We’ll catch the issues before they snowball.
Watch the video and see how it all connects:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fVrHix7xFvw
P.S. Ready to run a full end-of-year mortgage review — and get ahead of every hidden cost?
Book your free 1-on-1 call with me now
Let’s catch the issues before your payment jumps again.
– Robert
4. Increase your credit limit
If you're struggling to keep your credit utilization ratio low, consider asking for a credit limit increase. Just make sure not to use the extra credit as an excuse to spend more.
5. Diversify your credit
Having a mix of credit types (like a credit card, auto loan, and mortgage) can improve your credit score. But don't open new accounts just to add diversity - only take on credit that you actually need and can handle responsibly.
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.E Mortgage Capital, Inc
. - 1416824 | 175 Main St South Box 46, Woodbury, CT 06798
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Notice To Texas Loan Applicants: Consumers wishing to file a complaint against a mortgage banker, or a licensed mortgage banker residential mortgage loan originator, should complete and send a complaint form to the Texas Department of Savings and Mortgage Lending, 2601 North Lamar, Suite 201, Austin, TX 78705. Complaint forms and instructions may be obtained from the department’s website at www.sml.texas.gov
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A toll-free consumer hotline is available at 1-877-276-5550. The department maintains a recovery fund to make payments of certain actual out of pocket damages sustained by borrowers caused by acts of licensed mortgage banker residential mortgage loan originators. A written application for reimbursement from the recovery fund must be filed with and investigated by the department prior to the payment of a claim. For more information about the recovery fund, please consult the department’s website at www.sml.texas.gov