Mortgage Market Update

Kenna Siders

Tuesday, October 20, 2026

Loan programs aren't all the same

One of the most important decisions in your mortgage journey gets less attention than it deserves. Let me explain why it shouldn't.

National Mortgage Rates · October 16, 2026

Conventional 30-Year

7.28%

FHA 30-Year

7.13%

VA 30-Year

6.93%

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

When you're focused on finding the right home, it's easy to treat your loan choice as an afterthought. But the program you pick—whether it's conventional, FHA, VA, or something else—shapes your experience as a homeowner for years. Different programs come with different rules around down payments, credit requirements, and what you can and can't do with your property. Some offer flexibility if your situation changes; others lock you in tighter. The right fit for you depends on your timeline, your financial picture, and your plans for the home. I'd be happy to walk through what each program actually means for your situation and help you understand the trade-offs.

Let's talk about which loan type makes the most sense for you.

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 Kenna Siders team any time and we'll walk you through your options.

Your Mortgage Advisor

Kenna Siders

kenna@a-zlending.com

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