Jesse Moorhouse · October 20, 2026

The one thing more important than your rate

Mortgage Market Update

Jesse Moorhouse

Jesse Moorhouse

Tuesday, October 20, 2026

The one thing more important than your rate

Some decisions in homeownership get oversimplified. Today I want to walk through one that catches a lot of people off guard.

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.


Smart Money

Why your rate matters less than you think

I talk to borrowers all the time who are laser-focused on getting the absolute lowest rate. It's natural—a quarter point here or there can add up. But here's what I've learned: the rate is only one piece of the puzzle. The loan program, the term length, how long you plan to stay in the home, and your overall financial picture matter just as much. Sometimes a slightly higher rate on a program with better flexibility or lower costs makes more sense than chasing the lowest number on the rate sheet. The goal isn't the best rate—it's the best loan for your situation.

Let's talk through what matters most to your specific 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 Jesse Moorhouse team any time and we'll walk you through your options.

Your Mortgage Advisor

J

Jesse Moorhouse

Jesse Moorhouse

jesse.moorhouse@edgehomefinance.com

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