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Mortgage Market Update
Tony Zerwas
Tony Zerwas
Tuesday, October 20, 2026
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Why rate shopping can miss the bigger picture |
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We talk a lot about rates here, and for good reason—they matter. But I want to share something I see borrowers overlook.
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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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Cash Flow
When a lower rate isn't the whole story
I talk to a lot of people who focus only on interest rate when they're thinking about refinancing or choosing a loan. But here's what matters more: what does your payment actually look like, and does it fit your life right now? A lower rate is great, but if you stretch the loan term to get there, you might pay more interest overall. Or if you shorten the term to save money, the payment could strain your budget. The smartest move is looking at the full picture—rate, term, and monthly payment together—and picking what keeps you stable today while working toward your goals tomorrow. Let's walk through what your options actually look like 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 Tony Zerwas team any time and we'll walk you through your options. |
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