Atiyah · October 20, 2026

What lenders actually look at

Mortgage Market Update

My Mortgage Company

Atiyah

Tuesday, October 20, 2026

What lenders actually look at

Hi there. This week I want to walk you through something that comes up in almost every conversation I have with borrowers.

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.


Mortgage Basics

What your loan officer looks at first

When you're ready to buy or refinance, lenders evaluate several key factors before anything else. Your credit history, current debt load, income, and the equity you're bringing to the table all play a role in what you qualify for and what terms you'll receive. Understanding what lenders care about most helps you come prepared—and sometimes it helps you see where a small improvement could open up better options. I always recommend taking an honest look at these fundamentals before we sit down, so there are no surprises. It's not about being perfect; it's about knowing where you stand.

If you'd like to talk through your situation and what we might be able to do, I'm here to help.

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 My Mortgage Company team any time and we'll walk you through your options.

Your Mortgage Advisor

M

My Mortgage Company

Atiyah

atiyahjemison@xperthomelending.com

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