Joshua Switzer · October 20, 2026

Not all mortgages work the same way

Mortgage Market Update

Joshua Switzer

Joshua Switzer

Tuesday, October 20, 2026

Not all mortgages work the same way

Different borrowers qualify for different loan programs—and the right one can really matter. Here's why it's worth knowing what's available to you specifically.

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

Why your neighbor's mortgage might work differently than yours

Not all mortgages are created equal. Depending on your down payment, credit profile, and financial situation, you might qualify for programs your friends don't—or vice versa. Some borrowers benefit from programs designed for first-time buyers. Others have access to options that require more equity or a longer history. Understanding which loan programs fit your specific circumstances can make a real difference in your costs and monthly payment. The program that's right for one person might not be the best fit for another. If you've never discussed what's actually available to you, or if your situation has changed since you last looked, it's worth having that conversation. I'd be happy to walk you through what makes sense for your particular scenario.

Let's talk about which loan program could work best for your goals.

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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