Jennifer Tewell · October 20, 2026

One number that changes everything

Mortgage Market Update

Jennifer Tewell

Jennifer Tewell

Tuesday, October 20, 2026

One number that changes everything

We talk a lot about rates, but I want to make sure you understand why they matter so much. Here's the real impact:

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.


Mortgage Basics

Why your interest rate matters more than you think

When you're looking at a mortgage, the interest rate can feel like just one number among many. But it's actually one of the most powerful levers in your entire loan. A small move in rates changes your monthly payment, the total you'll pay over the life of the loan, and how quickly you build equity. That's why I encourage clients to understand what's driving rate movement and how it might affect their situation—not to time the market perfectly, but to make informed decisions about when refinancing makes sense or whether waiting a bit longer is worth it. If you've been curious about how rates work or what they mean for your specific loan, I'd love to walk you through it.

Let's talk about what your rate environment looks like 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 Jennifer Tewell team any time and we'll walk you through your options.

Your Mortgage Advisor

J

Jennifer Tewell

Jennifer Tewell

jennifer@tewellmortgage.com

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