Angie Keene · October 20, 2026

Fixed or adjustable—what's the real difference?

Mortgage Market Update

Angie Keene

Angie Keene

Tuesday, October 20, 2026

Fixed or adjustable—what's the real difference?

One question I hear a lot is about choosing between different types of loans. This week, I want to break down a choice that really shapes your mortgage experience.

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

Fixed vs. adjustable: which fits your plan?

One of the biggest choices you'll make is whether to lock in the same rate for the life of your loan or start with a lower rate that adjusts over time. A fixed rate gives you predictability—your payment stays the same for 15, 20, or 30 years, which is huge for budgeting. An adjustable rate often begins lower, which can mean lower monthly payments early on, but the rate (and your payment) will change after an initial period. Neither is right or wrong; it depends on how long you plan to stay in the home, your comfort with payment changes, and what makes sense for your finances. I'm happy to walk through both options and show you how they'd actually look for your situation.

Reach out and let's talk through which structure would work best for you.

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 Angie Keene team any time and we'll walk you through your options.

Your Mortgage Advisor

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Angie Keene

Angie Keene

akeene@barrettfinancial.com

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