Jim Hoggan · October 20, 2026

The loan term decision you shouldn't skip

Mortgage Market Update

Jim Hoggan

Jim Hoggan

Tuesday, October 20, 2026

The loan term decision you shouldn't skip

One of the most overlooked choices borrowers make is how long to take to pay off the loan. Here's why it deserves your attention.

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 loan term matters more than you think

When you're shopping for a mortgage or thinking about refinancing, the interest rate gets all the attention. But the length of your loan—whether it's 15 years, 20 years, or 30 years—shapes your finances in ways that are just as important. A longer term means lower monthly payments but more interest paid over time. A shorter term builds equity faster and costs less overall, but your payment each month is higher. There's no single "right" answer; it depends on your budget, your goals, and how long you plan to stay in the home. I'd be happy to walk through what different loan terms would look like for your situation so you can decide what works best for you.

Let's talk about which loan term fits 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 Jim Hoggan team any time and we'll walk you through your options.

Your Mortgage Advisor

J

Jim Hoggan

Jim Hoggan

james.hoggan@onerealmortgage.com

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