Mortgage Market Update

Nick Peterson

Tuesday, October 20, 2026

Loan programs aren't one-size-fits-all

Every homeowner's story is different. This week, I'm breaking down why the same loan type doesn't work for everyone.

National Mortgage Rates · October 16, 2026

Conventional 30-Year

7.28%

FHA 30-Year

7.13%

VA 30-Year

6.93%

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 rate might not work for you

It's natural to compare notes with friends about their mortgages, but here's the thing: two people in the same neighborhood can qualify for very different loan programs based on their credit, down payment, income stability, and goals. A program that's perfect for someone else might not be the best fit for your situation — or vice versa. The right loan type depends on your specific circumstances, not just what worked for the person next door. That's why a real conversation about your finances, timeline, and priorities matters so much. I'd love to walk through what options actually make sense for you.

Let's talk about which loan program fits your needs.

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 Nick Peterson team any time and we'll walk you through your options.

You are receiving this from Nick Peterson. Unsubscribe