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Mortgage Market Update
Kristen Williams
Kristen Williams
Tuesday, October 20, 2026
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Fixed rate or adjustable—which fits you? |
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One of the biggest decisions in a mortgage isn't talked about nearly enough. Here's what you need to know to make the call that's right for you.
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National Mortgage Rates · October 16, 2026
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Conventional 30-Year
7.28%
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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.
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Loan Program Basics
Fixed vs. adjustable: which actually fits your life?
When you're shopping for a mortgage, one of the biggest choices you'll make is whether to lock in a fixed rate for the full loan term or start with an adjustable rate. Both have real trade-offs—and the right pick depends on your comfort level, how long you plan to stay in the home, and what's happening with rates right now. A fixed rate gives you predictability: your payment never changes, which makes budgeting easier and protects you if rates climb. An adjustable rate often starts lower, which can mean a smaller payment early on—but it can shift over time. Neither is automatically better. The fit depends on you. I'd be happy to walk through what each looks like in your specific situation. Let's talk through which structure makes sense for your timeline and peace of mind.
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Tip of the Week
Your loan officer can run a credit simulator to show exactly which actions will move your score the most.
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Tips for Homeowners
Year-End Tax & Mortgage Planning
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1.
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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).
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2.
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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.
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3.
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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.
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Have questions about how any of this affects your mortgage or home purchase? We're here to help — reach out to the Kristen Williams team any time and we'll walk you through your options. |
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