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Mortgage Market Update
Nick Peterson
Tuesday, October 20, 2026
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Fixed or adjustable—which fits you? |
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Every borrower has a different timeline and comfort level with their mortgage. This week, let's look at how to choose between two fundamental loan structures.
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National Mortgage Rates · October 16, 2026
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Conventional 30-Year
7.28%
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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.
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Loan Program Fit
Fixed or adjustable: which one matches your plan?
One of the biggest decisions you'll make is whether to lock in a fixed rate for the life of your loan or start with an adjustable rate that changes over time. There's no universally right answer—it depends on how long you plan to stay in the home, your comfort level with payment changes, and where rates are today. Fixed-rate loans give you predictability and peace of mind. Adjustable-rate programs often start lower, which can help if you're planning to sell or refinance down the road. The catch is that your payment can go up when the rate adjusts. I help borrowers think through their real timeline and risk tolerance so they pick the loan type that actually fits their life, not just the one with the lowest starting number. Let's talk through which structure makes sense for your situation.
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Tip of the Week
Your loan officer can run a credit simulator to show exactly which actions will move your score the most.
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Tips for Homeowners
Year-End Tax & Mortgage Planning
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1.
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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).
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2.
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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.
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3.
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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.
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Have questions about how any of this affects your mortgage or home purchase? We're here to help — reach out to the Nick Peterson team any time and we'll walk you through your options. |
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