E3 Home Loans · October 20, 2026

Fixed or adjustable—which fits you better

Mortgage Market Update

Chris Ristau

E3 Home Loans

Tuesday, October 20, 2026

Fixed or adjustable—which fits you better

Hi there. Picking the right loan structure is one of the biggest decisions in your mortgage, and it's worth getting right the first time.

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

Fixed or adjustable: which one actually works for you

One of the first decisions in any mortgage is whether to lock in a fixed rate for the life of your loan or start with an adjustable rate that may change over time. There's no universal right answer—it depends on your timeline, risk tolerance, and how long you plan to stay in the home. A fixed rate gives you predictability and peace of mind; an adjustable rate typically starts lower but carries uncertainty down the road. If you're planning to move or refinance within a few years, one path might make more sense. If you're settling in long-term, another might suit you better. The best choice is the one that matches your actual situation, not what worked for someone else.

Let's talk through which structure fits your goals—reach out anytime.

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 Chris Ristau team any time and we'll walk you through your options.

Your Mortgage Advisor

C

Chris Ristau

E3 Home Loans

team@e3loans.com

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