Mortgage Market Update

Eitan Shafshak

Tuesday, October 20, 2026

Which loan program makes sense for you?

One of the most important decisions in a mortgage isn't always obvious. Let me share why the right program shape matters as much as the number itself.

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 Fit

Picking a loan program that matches your life

When you're shopping for a mortgage, it's easy to focus only on the interest rate. But the right loan program matters just as much. Are you planning to stay in your home long-term, or might you move in five years? Do you want predictability in your payment, or are you comfortable with some flexibility? Different programs—conventional, FHA, VA, USDA, fixed-rate, adjustable—each have their own strengths. The best choice depends on your timeline, your comfort level with risk, and what you actually need from your home loan. I've seen borrowers save money and sleep better at night simply by matching the program to their real situation, not just chasing the lowest rate on paper.

If you'd like to talk through which program might fit your plans best, I'm here to walk you through the options.

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 Eitan Shafshak team any time and we'll walk you through your options.

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