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Mortgage Market Update
Johnathan Lee
Johnathan Lee
Tuesday, October 20, 2026
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Fixed or adjustable: what's the difference? |
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One of the most important decisions in a mortgage is choosing between a fixed rate and an adjustable rate. Let me break down how each works and what to think about.
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National Mortgage Rates · October 16, 2026
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Conventional 30-Year
7.28%
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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.
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Loan Programs
Fixed vs. adjustable: which loan fits your plan?
When you're shopping for a mortgage, one of the biggest choices is between a fixed-rate loan (where your rate stays the same for the life of the loan) and an adjustable-rate mortgage, or ARM (where your rate can change after an initial period). Fixed rates offer predictability and peace of mind—your payment never changes. ARMs typically start lower, which can mean lower initial payments, but they carry the risk that rates could rise later. The right choice depends on how long you plan to stay in your home, how comfortable you are with payment uncertainty, and what rates look like right now. There's no universal "better" option—it comes down to your situation and what you can sleep well with. I'd love to walk through both options with you and help you figure out which makes sense for your goals. Let's talk through which loan structure fits your timeline and comfort level.
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Tip of the Week
Your loan officer can run a credit simulator to show exactly which actions will move your score the most.
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Tips for Homeowners
Year-End Tax & Mortgage Planning
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1.
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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).
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2.
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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.
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3.
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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.
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Have questions about how any of this affects your mortgage or home purchase? We're here to help — reach out to the Johnathan Lee team any time and we'll walk you through your options. |
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