Kevin Huettner · October 20, 2026

The real impact of choosing a 15 vs. 30 year loan

Mortgage Market Update

Kevin Huettner

Kevin Huettner

Tuesday, October 20, 2026

The real impact of choosing a 15 vs. 30 year loan

Hi there. This week I want to walk you through one of the most important choices in your mortgage—and one borrowers don't always think deeply about.

National Mortgage Rates · October 16, 2026

Conventional 30-Year

7.28%

FHA 30-Year

7.13%

VA 30-Year

6.93%

Rate trend

Source: Optimal Blue daily mortgage indices via FRED

Rates shown are national mortgage index rates 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 loan term matters more than you think

The length of your mortgage—15 years, 30 years, or something in between—shapes your finances in ways that go beyond your monthly payment. A shorter term means you build equity faster and pay less interest overall, but a longer term keeps your payment manageable and frees up cash for other goals. The right choice depends on your income, your plans, and what matters most to you right now. There's no universal "best" answer, but there is a best answer for you. If you've never walked through this decision with someone who understands your full picture, it's worth a conversation.

Let's talk through which loan term makes sense for your situation.

Tip of the Week

Your loan officer can run a credit simulator to show exactly which actions will move your score the most.

Tips for Homeowners

Year-End Tax & Mortgage Planning

1.

Consider making your January mortgage payment in December to get an extra month of deductible interest in the current tax year (consult your tax advisor first).

2.

If you plan to sell next year, now is a good time to document improvements — receipts and records add to your cost basis and reduce taxable capital gain at sale.

3.

Review your W-4 withholding if you bought a home this year — your mortgage interest deduction may mean you're having too much withheld from each paycheck.

Have questions about how any of this affects your mortgage or home purchase? We're here to help — reach out to the Kevin Huettner team any time and we'll walk you through your options.

Your Mortgage Advisor

K

Kevin Huettner

Kevin Huettner

kevin.huettner@onerealmortgage.com

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