Ryan Spencer · October 20, 2026

Why your loan type matters more than you think

Mortgage Market Update

Ryan Spencer

Ryan Spencer

Tuesday, October 20, 2026

Why your loan type matters more than you think

Hi there. This week I want to walk you through something that doesn't always get discussed enough: the actual structure of the mortgage you're considering.

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

When you're shopping for a mortgage or thinking about refinancing, the interest rate gets most of the attention—but the loan program itself matters just as much. Different programs have different rules about down payments, credit requirements, how long you have to repay, and what happens if rates move. A 15-year loan feels different than a 30-year one, and adjustable-rate programs behave differently than fixed-rate options. The right choice depends on your timeline, your comfort with change, and what you're trying to accomplish. That's why I always encourage borrowers to understand not just the rate they're quoted, but the program behind it. Let's talk about which option makes sense for where you are right now.

Reach out if you'd like to explore which program fits your situation best.

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 Ryan Spencer team any time and we'll walk you through your options.

Your Mortgage Advisor

R

Ryan Spencer

Ryan Spencer

ryan@azmortgagegroup.com

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