Torben Berndt · October 20, 2026

Picking the right loan for your goals

Mortgage Market Update

Torben Berndt

Torben Berndt

Tuesday, October 20, 2026

Picking the right loan for your goals

Not every mortgage works the same way, and choosing one matters more than you might think. Here's what you should know.

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.


Loan Programs

Which loan type matches your situation?

Not all mortgages are built the same, and the right choice depends on your timeline, down payment, and comfort level with payment changes. Fixed-rate loans offer predictability—your payment stays the same for the life of the loan. Adjustable-rate options may start lower but can change over time. Government-backed programs like FHA and VA have their own rules and benefits. Conventional loans work differently still. The program that makes sense for your neighbor might not be your best fit. I'd like to walk you through the options that align with how you plan to use your home and manage your finances.

Let's talk about which loan type works best for your plan.

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 Torben Berndt team any time and we'll walk you through your options.

Your Mortgage Advisor

T

Torben Berndt

Torben Berndt

torben@homeloanswithtorben.com

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