Caleb May · October 20, 2026

Fixed or adjustable: what's the difference?

Mortgage Market Update

Caleb May

Caleb May

Tuesday, October 20, 2026

Fixed or adjustable: what's the difference?

There are more mortgage options out there than you might think. Today I want to break down one of the most important decisions you'll make as a borrower.

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 Basics

Fixed vs. ARM: which loan fits your plan?

When you're shopping for a mortgage, one of the biggest choices is whether you want a fixed-rate loan or an adjustable-rate mortgage (ARM). A fixed rate stays the same for the life of your loan, which means predictable payments and peace of mind. An ARM typically starts lower but can adjust over time, which might work if you plan to sell or refinance before the rate changes. Neither is right for everyone — it depends on how long you want to stay in your home, how comfortable you are with payment changes, and what your financial goals look like. The right choice can make a real difference in your monthly budget and long-term costs. I'd like to walk you through what makes sense for your situation.

Let's talk through which option fits your plans best.

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 Caleb May team any time and we'll walk you through your options.

Your Mortgage Advisor

C

Caleb May

Caleb May

cmay@haymakerhomeloans.com

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