Jason Thomas · October 20, 2026

The mortgage choice that matters most

Mortgage Market Update

Jason Thomas

Jason Thomas

Tuesday, October 20, 2026

The mortgage choice that matters most

Hi there. This week I want to talk about something that shapes your entire loan experience—but often gets overlooked in the rush to lock in a rate.

National Mortgage Rates · October 19, 2026

Conventional 30-Year

7.32%

FHA 30-Year

7.12%

VA 30-Year

6.94%

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

Not all mortgages work the same way

One of the biggest decisions you'll make isn't about the rate—it's about which loan program fits your situation. Fixed-rate mortgages lock in stability; adjustable-rate loans might start lower but change over time. Some programs let you put less down; others reward larger down payments. Some have flexibility built in; others are more straightforward. What works for your neighbor might not work for you, and that's okay. The right choice depends on your timeline, how long you plan to stay, and what kind of payment certainty matters most to you. I'd love to walk through which programs align with your goals.

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

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 Jason Thomas team any time and we'll walk you through your options.

Your Mortgage Advisor

J

Jason Thomas

Jason Thomas

jason@gbmortgagegroup.com

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