Mortgage Market Update

Tim Stacey

Tuesday, October 20, 2026

Picking the right loan program matters

Hi there. This week I want to talk about something that often gets overlooked when people are focused on rate shopping.

National Mortgage Rates · October 19, 2026

Conventional 30-Year

7.32%

FHA 30-Year

7.12%

VA 30-Year

6.94%

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 are created equal

When you're shopping for a mortgage, it's easy to focus only on the interest rate. But the loan program itself matters just as much. Different programs come with different requirements, flexibility, and long-term costs. Some favor borrowers with larger down payments; others are built for people with smaller ones. Some lock you in for 15 years, others for 30. Some allow you to make extra payments without penalty, while others don't. The right program for your neighbor might not be the right one for you. That's why I always spend time understanding your goals, timeline, and financial situation before recommending a path forward. If you'd like to explore which program makes the most sense for your specific circumstances, I'm here to walk through the options.

Let's talk about which loan 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 Tim Stacey team any time and we'll walk you through your options.

Your Mortgage Advisor

Tim Stacey

tim@staceysolutions.net

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