Myrna Hernandez Venzor · October 20, 2026

Fixed or adjustable: what's the difference?

Mortgage Market Update

Myrna Hernandez

Myrna Hernandez Venzor

Tuesday, October 20, 2026

Fixed or adjustable: what's the difference?

One of the biggest decisions in a mortgage is often overlooked until it's time to sign. This week, I want to break down two very different ways to structure your loan.

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 makes sense for you

When you're shopping for a mortgage or thinking about refinancing, one of the biggest choices is whether to lock in a fixed rate for the life of your loan or start with an adjustable rate that can change over time. Fixed-rate mortgages offer predictability—your payment stays the same from day one to payoff, which makes budgeting easier and protects you if rates climb. Adjustable-rate mortgages typically start lower, which can mean smaller payments early on, but carry the risk that payments will rise later. The right choice depends on your timeline, comfort with uncertainty, and how long you plan to stay in your home. I'd love to walk through the pros and cons with your situation in mind.

Let's talk about which structure fits your goals 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 Myrna Hernandez team any time and we'll walk you through your options.

Your Mortgage Advisor

M

Myrna Hernandez

Myrna Hernandez Venzor

myrnah@barrettfinancial.com

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