Katy Betcher · October 20, 2026

Picking the right mortgage for your situation

Mortgage Market Update

KATY BETCHER

Katy Betcher

Tuesday, October 20, 2026

Picking the right mortgage for your situation

There's more to choosing a mortgage than finding the lowest rate. The structure of your loan matters just as much as the number itself.

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

Not all mortgages work the same way

One of the biggest decisions you'll make isn't just about the rate—it's about which type of loan fits how you actually live. A fixed-rate mortgage keeps your payment the same forever, which works great if you want predictability. An adjustable-rate loan might offer a lower starting rate, but your payment can change down the road. Then there are programs built for specific situations: VA loans, FHA loans, jumbo mortgages, and others. The right choice depends on how long you plan to stay, what you can comfortably afford, and how much certainty matters to you. I'm happy to walk you through what each option really means for your situation.

Let's talk about which loan type makes 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 KATY BETCHER team any time and we'll walk you through your options.

Your Mortgage Advisor

K

KATY BETCHER

Katy Betcher

katy@barrettfinancial.com

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