Jessica Higgins · October 20, 2026

Different loan programs, different costs

Mortgage Market Update

Jessica Higgins

Jessica Higgins

Tuesday, October 20, 2026

Different loan programs, different costs

One question I hear often: why did my friend get approved for something I didn't? The answer usually comes down to loan programs. Here's what matters.

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 mortgage might work differently than yours

Not all mortgages are built the same way. Depending on your down payment, credit profile, property type, and financial goals, you might qualify for conventional loans, government-backed programs, or options designed for specific situations like cash-out refinancing or investment properties. Each comes with its own rules, costs, and benefits. Understanding which programs you're eligible for — and which one makes sense for your life — is where a lot of borrowers leave money on the table. I've seen people pay more than necessary simply because they didn't know other paths were available to them. If you've never had a detailed conversation about which loan program fits you best, it's worth an hour of your time. Let's talk about what's actually available in your situation.

Reach out and we can walk through which programs make sense for you.

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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