Caitlin Garner · October 20, 2026

Refinancing isn't just about the rate

Mortgage Market Update

Caitlin Garner

Caitlin Garner

Tuesday, October 20, 2026

Refinancing isn't just about the rate

Hello—I wanted to share something I hear a lot of confusion about. People often assume refinancing only makes sense under one specific condition, but it's usually more flexible than that.

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.


Refinancing Basics

When refinancing actually makes sense

A lot of people think refinancing is only worth it if rates drop significantly. The truth is more nuanced. Refinancing can make sense if your situation has changed—maybe your credit has improved, you've built equity, or your financial goals have shifted. Sometimes it's worth refinancing even if rates haven't moved much, depending on how long you plan to stay in your home and what you're trying to accomplish. The key is looking at the full picture: your timeline, your goals, and the real costs involved. If you're wondering whether a refinance could work for you, I'd love to walk through the numbers together and show you what's actually possible.

Let's talk through whether refinancing fits your situation 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 Caitlin Garner team any time and we'll walk you through your options.

Your Mortgage Advisor

C

Caitlin Garner

Caitlin Garner

caitlin.garner@onerealmortgage.com

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