Scott Smith · October 20, 2026

The loan type decision that matters most

Mortgage Market Update

Scott Smith

Scott Smith

Tuesday, October 20, 2026

The loan type decision that matters most

Not all mortgages are created equal. Here's what you need to know about finding the right fit for your situation.

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 Program Fit

Why your loan type matters more than you think

When you're focused on getting approved and into your home, it's easy to accept whatever loan program is presented first. But the truth is, different loan types come with different rules about down payments, credit requirements, flexibility, and long-term costs. A conventional loan works differently than an FHA or VA loan, and each one might make sense depending on your situation, timeline, and what you're trying to accomplish. The right fit for your neighbor might not be the right fit for you. If you're curious whether the loan you have now is still working for your goals, or if you're shopping and want to understand your real options, I'm happy to walk through it with you.

Reach out if you'd like to talk through which program makes the most sense for where you are.

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 Scott Smith team any time and we'll walk you through your options.

Your Mortgage Advisor

S

Scott Smith

Scott Smith

scott.smith@onerealmortgage.com

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