Lisa Zamora · October 20, 2026

Picking the right loan program for you

Mortgage Market Update

Lisa Zamora

Lisa Zamora

Tuesday, October 20, 2026

Picking the right loan program for you

Not all mortgages are created equal. The program you choose affects your down payment, costs, and monthly payment in ways that might surprise you.

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

Why your loan type matters more than you think

Most people focus on the interest rate when they're shopping for a mortgage, but the loan program itself—whether it's conventional, FHA, VA, or something else—shapes your whole borrowing experience. Different programs have different requirements around down payments, credit scores, and how much house you can actually afford. Some programs work better if you're buying your first home; others shine if you have a smaller down payment saved, or if you're military. The right program for your neighbor might not be the right one for you. That's why I always recommend we talk through what's available and what makes sense for your specific situation before you fall in love with a house. Let's find out which program puts you in the strongest position.

If you're thinking about buying or refinancing, I'd love to walk you through your 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 Lisa Zamora team any time and we'll walk you through your options.

Your Mortgage Advisor

L

Lisa Zamora

Lisa Zamora

lzamora@barrettfinancial.com

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