Marc Sears · October 20, 2026

Why your loan program matters more than you think

Mortgage Market Update

Marc Sears

Marc Sears

Tuesday, October 20, 2026

Why your loan program matters more than you think

Not every mortgage is built the same. This week I want to walk you through why the type of loan you choose matters as much as the rate you get.

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.


Loan Programs

Not all mortgages work the same way

When you're shopping for a mortgage, you'll hear terms like conventional, FHA, VA, and USDA. They're not just different names—they have different rules, down payment options, and ways rates are calculated. Some borrowers qualify for programs others don't, and the program you choose can affect your monthly payment, how much house you can afford, and what flexibility you have down the road. The right fit depends on your situation: your credit, your down payment savings, your employment, whether you're a first-time buyer. That's why I always recommend talking through your options before you start looking at houses. We can match you to the programs you actually qualify for and explain how each one works.

Let's talk about which loan program makes the most sense for your 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 Marc Sears team any time and we'll walk you through your options.

Your Mortgage Advisor

M

Marc Sears

Marc Sears

marc.sears@edgehomefinance.com

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