Jake Taylor · October 20, 2026

Fixed or adjustable—what's the real difference?

Mortgage Market Update

Jake Taylor

Jake Taylor

Tuesday, October 20, 2026

Fixed or adjustable—what's the real difference?

Hi there. This week I want to tackle one of the most important decisions in the mortgage process—and one that often gets glossed over.

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 fits your plan?

One of the biggest choices in a mortgage isn't about the lender—it's about the loan structure itself. A fixed-rate mortgage keeps your payment stable for the life of the loan, which brings peace of mind and makes budgeting predictable. An adjustable-rate mortgage typically starts lower but can change after an initial period, which may work well if you plan to sell or refinance before rates adjust. The right choice depends on your timeline, risk comfort, and how long you see yourself in the home. I'd love to walk through what makes sense for your situation and help you understand the real trade-offs.

Let's talk through which program aligns with your goals.

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 Jake Taylor team any time and we'll walk you through your options.

Your Mortgage Advisor

J

Jake Taylor

Jake Taylor

jake@barrettfinancial.com

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