Optimizing Mortgage Payments

Monthly home payments include more than just loan principal + interest (P&I), they often include taxes and insurance.
Consumer Financial Protection Bureau

Principal + interest is just the money toward the loan; taxes/insurance add to your total payment.
Wikipedia

Small rate changes (even 0.02%) can noticeably raise or lower total payments.
Yahoo Finanzas

Different loan terms or amortization periods change how much goes to interest vs. principal.
Wikipedia

Escrow accounts can adjust monthly totals if taxes/insurance costs shift year to year.