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Mortgage Market Update
Stephen Bellew
Stephen Bellew
Tuesday, October 20, 2026
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Fixed or adjustable—which fits your plan? |
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There are different ways to structure a mortgage, and each one comes with its own trade-offs. Understanding your options helps you make a smarter choice.
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National Mortgage Rates · October 16, 2026
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Conventional 30-Year
7.28%
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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.
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Loan Programs
Fixed rate vs. adjustable: which makes sense for you
When you're shopping for a mortgage, one of the biggest choices is whether to lock in a fixed rate for the life of your loan or go with an adjustable rate that starts lower but can change over time. The right answer depends on your timeline, risk tolerance, and how long you plan to stay in your home. If you're building your forever home, a fixed rate offers peace of mind—your payment never changes. If you're planning to sell or refinance in a few years, an adjustable option might work in your favor. I've helped plenty of borrowers think through this decision, and there's no one-size-fits-all answer. What matters is understanding your own situation and what you're comfortable with. Let's talk about which program aligns best with your goals.
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Tip of the Week
Your loan officer can run a credit simulator to show exactly which actions will move your score the most.
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Tips for Homeowners
Year-End Tax & Mortgage Planning
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1.
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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).
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2.
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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.
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3.
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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.
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Have questions about how any of this affects your mortgage or home purchase? We're here to help — reach out to the Stephen Bellew team any time and we'll walk you through your options. |
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