Trevor Sanders · October 20, 2026

Fixed rate or adjustable—what's the difference?

Mortgage Market Update

Trevor Sanders

Trevor Sanders

Tuesday, October 20, 2026

Fixed rate or adjustable—what's the difference?

One question I get often is whether homebuyers and owners should choose a fixed or adjustable mortgage. The answer depends on a few things about you and your plans.

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 Program Fit

Fixed vs. adjustable: which matters for your plan

One of the biggest choices in a mortgage isn't about the rate itself—it's about whether that rate stays the same for the life of your loan or can change after a set period. A fixed-rate mortgage gives you payment certainty and peace of mind; an adjustable-rate mortgage may offer a lower starting rate, but your payment could go up later. Which one makes sense depends on how long you plan to stay in your home, how comfortable you are with risk, and what your budget can handle if rates shift. There's no universally "right" answer—it's about what fits your life and your goals. I'd be happy to walk through both options with you and show how they might play out in your specific situation.

Let's talk about which loan program aligns best with your timeline and comfort level.

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 Trevor Sanders team any time and we'll walk you through your options.

Your Mortgage Advisor

T

Trevor Sanders

Trevor Sanders

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