Nicholas Dolen · October 20, 2026

The loan type question nobody asks

Mortgage Market Update

Nicholas Dolen

Nicholas Dolen

Tuesday, October 20, 2026

The loan type question nobody asks

Most of the mortgage conversation centers on rates and payments. But the foundation of a good loan starts with choosing the right program for your life.

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 Basics

Why your loan type matters more than you think

When you're shopping for a mortgage, it's easy to focus only on the interest rate. But the type of loan you choose—conventional, FHA, VA, USDA—shapes your entire borrowing experience. Each program has different requirements, flexibility, and long-term costs that go beyond what you see in the rate itself. A loan that works for one buyer might not be the best fit for another, depending on your down payment, credit profile, and plans for the home. Understanding what you qualify for and why one option makes sense for your situation is just as important as knowing what rate you'll pay. I'm here to walk you through the differences and help you pick the right tool for your goal.

Let's talk about which loan program fits your timeline and budget.

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 Nicholas Dolen team any time and we'll walk you through your options.

Your Mortgage Advisor

N

Nicholas Dolen

Nicholas Dolen

ndolen@westcapitallending.com

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