Joshua Switzer · October 20, 2026

Picking the right loan type for your home

Mortgage Market Update

Joshua Switzer

Joshua Switzer

Tuesday, October 20, 2026

Picking the right loan type for your home

Hello—this week I want to talk about something that affects how you'll pay for your home for the next 15, 20, or 30 years.

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

Which loan type is right for your situation?

Not all mortgages are created equal—and the one that works best for you depends on where you are in life and what your goals are. A 30-year fixed loan offers predictability and lower monthly payments. A 15-year option builds equity faster if you can handle higher payments. Adjustable-rate loans start lower but change over time. And if you're a first-time buyer, a veteran, or buying in a rural area, you may qualify for programs with different down-payment requirements or terms. The right choice isn't always the most obvious one. I'd be happy to walk through your situation and help you see which program actually fits.

Let's talk through what loan type makes the most sense 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 Joshua Switzer team any time and we'll walk you through your options.

Your Mortgage Advisor

J

Joshua Switzer

Joshua Switzer

JoshuaS@BarrettFinancial.com

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