Mortgage Market Update

One Real Mortgage Master

Tuesday, October 20, 2026

Why your payment won't change (and what to do about it)

One of the smartest moves you made was locking in a fixed rate. Here's what that means for your finances going forward—and how to make it work even harder for you.

National Mortgage Rates · October 16, 2026

Conventional 30-Year

7.28%

FHA 30-Year

7.13%

VA 30-Year

6.93%

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 Habits

Your mortgage payment stays the same—here's why that matters

One of the best features of a fixed-rate mortgage is stability. Your monthly payment locks in from day one and never changes, no matter what happens to interest rates in the market. That predictability is powerful—it means you can budget with confidence, plan for the future, and build equity on a schedule you understand.

But that locked payment also means the sooner you can start paying it down, the faster your equity grows. Even small extra payments toward principal can add up over time and shorten the life of your loan. If you're curious whether your current situation allows room for that kind of move, or if there are other ways to accelerate your paydown, I'm here to talk through it.

Let's discuss whether your loan and budget align with your long-term goals.

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 One Real Mortgage Master team any time and we'll walk you through your options.

You are receiving this from One Real Mortgage Master. Unsubscribe