Barrett Financial Group · October 20, 2026

Why loan length matters more than you think

Mortgage Market Update

Brett Stratton

Barrett Financial Group

Tuesday, October 20, 2026

Why loan length matters more than you think

Hello, I wanted to cover something that comes up in nearly every conversation I have with borrowers. Your choice of loan structure affects your finances for years to come.

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.

Check My Rate →

Loan Programs

Not all mortgages work the same way

One of the biggest questions I hear is: "What's the difference between a 15-year and 30-year mortgage?" The answer matters because it shapes your entire payoff timeline and monthly budget. A shorter loan means you build equity faster and pay less interest overall — but your payment each month is higher. A longer loan spreads things out, keeping payments lower, though you'll pay more interest over time. Neither is wrong; it depends on your income, your goals, and what you're comfortable with. There are also adjustable-rate loans, fixed-rate options, and programs designed for specific situations. The right choice is personal to you, not universal. If you're curious about which structure fits your life best, I'd be happy to walk you through the trade-offs.

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

Book a Call

Your Mortgage Advisor

B

Brett Stratton

Barrett Financial Group

bretts@barrettfinancial.com

+1 214-709-1484

2701 East Insight Way suite 150, Chandler, AZ 85286

+1 214-709-1484  |  https://brettstratton.theradcrm.com/homepage

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