Gaby Lockhart · August 19, 2026

Picking the right loan program for you

Mortgage Market Update

Gaby Lockhart

Gaby Lockhart

Wednesday, August 19, 2026

Picking the right loan program for you

Not all mortgages are created equal. The loan program you choose affects your flexibility, your costs, and your peace of mind.

National Mortgage Rates · August 13, 2026

30-Year Fixed

6.67%

VA 30-Year

6.33%

Rate trend

Source: Freddie Mac PMMS & Optimal Blue via FRED

Rates shown are national averages 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

Your loan program matters more than you think

When you're shopping for a mortgage, it's easy to focus only on interest rates. But the type of loan you choose—fixed-rate, adjustable-rate, FHA, VA, conventional—shapes your entire borrowing experience. Each program has different rules about down payments, credit requirements, and how your monthly payment behaves over time. The right program for someone else might not be right for you. That's why I always ask borrowers about their timeline, risk tolerance, and long-term plans before recommending a path forward. If you're not sure whether your current loan is the best fit, or you're curious what other options might be available to you, I'm here to walk through them.

Let's talk about which loan program makes the most sense for your situation.

Tip of the Week

Inspect your attic insulation. Proper insulation reduces heating and cooling costs and can prevent ice dams on your roof.

Tips for Homeowners

Fall Home Prep: Heating, Safety & Systems

1.

Have your heating system serviced before it's needed. A furnace failure in winter is an emergency — routine maintenance costs far less than emergency repairs.

2.

Test smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors and replace batteries. Carbon monoxide poisoning risk rises when heating systems run more frequently.

3.

Drain and shut off exterior faucets and sprinkler systems before the first freeze to prevent burst pipes — one of the most expensive and disruptive homeowner emergencies.

Have questions about how any of this affects your mortgage or home purchase? We're here to help — reach out to the Gaby Lockhart team any time and we'll walk you through your options.

Your Mortgage Advisor

G

Gaby Lockhart

Gaby Lockhart

gabyl@barrettfinancial.com

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