Marc Hayes · October 20, 2026

Which loan program fits your plans?

Mortgage Market Update

Marc Hayes

Marc Hayes

Tuesday, October 20, 2026

Which loan program fits your plans?

Hi there. This week I want to talk about something that often gets overlooked when people are house hunting—and it can make a big difference.

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 Basics

What loan program is actually right for you?

When you're shopping for a mortgage, it's easy to focus only on rates—but your loan program matters just as much. Different programs (conventional, FHA, VA, USDA) have different rules about down payments, credit scores, property types, and fees. One program might let you put down less money; another might offer better terms for your specific situation. The right choice isn't about what sounds best in a commercial—it's about what fits your finances, your timeline, and your goals. I've seen borrowers save real money by choosing the program that actually matched their life, not just chasing the lowest number they heard. That's why I always recommend we sit down and talk through your options together.

Let's find out which program makes the most sense for your situation.

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 Marc Hayes team any time and we'll walk you through your options.

Your Mortgage Advisor

M

Marc Hayes

Marc Hayes

marc.hayes@homesimply.com

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