Jessica Higgins · October 20, 2026

Why loan programs work differently for everyone

Mortgage Market Update

Jessica Higgins

Jessica Higgins

Tuesday, October 20, 2026

Why loan programs work differently for everyone

Not all mortgages are created equal—and that's actually a good thing. Here's what shapes the programs available to you.

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

Why your neighbor's loan might not be yours

One thing I hear a lot: 'My friend got approved for X program, so why can't I?' The truth is that mortgage programs aren't one-size-fits-all. Your credit profile, down payment, property type, income, and even your debt load all shape which loan options actually work for you. A program that's perfect for one borrower might not even be available to another. That's not gatekeeping—it's how lending actually works. The good news? There are usually multiple paths forward. If one program doesn't fit, we can look at what does. The key is understanding your own situation first, then matching it to the right solution.

Let's talk through which programs make sense for where you are right now.

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 Jessica Higgins team any time and we'll walk you through your options.

Your Mortgage Advisor

J

Jessica Higgins

Jessica Higgins

jhiggins@power-lending.com

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