Mortgage Market Update

The Douglas Team

Tuesday, October 20, 2026

Your neighbor's loan probably isn't yours

Hi there—this week I want to talk about something I see trip up a lot of borrowers: assuming the right mortgage is one-size-fits-all. It isn't.

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.

Loan Program Options

Why your neighbor's mortgage might not be right for you

Everyone's situation is different, and that's especially true when it comes to choosing a mortgage. The loan program that works perfectly for one homeowner—fixed rate, adjustable rate, conventional, government-backed—might not be the best fit for another, even if you're in the same neighborhood. Your timeline, income stability, down payment size, and long-term plans all play a role in which program makes the most sense. That's why I always recommend we talk through your specific circumstances before settling on any option. What works on paper has to work for your actual life.

Let's sit down and walk through which programs align best with where you are right now.

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 The Douglas Team team any time and we'll walk you through your options.

Your Mortgage Advisor

The Douglas Team

Rebecca.douglas@mottomortgage.com

You are receiving this from The Douglas Team. Unsubscribe