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Mortgage Market Update
Michael Barnhart
Michael Barnhart
Tuesday, October 20, 2026
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Fixed or adjustable: which fits your plan? |
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Choosing a loan type is one of the bigger decisions in the mortgage process. Let me break down one of the most common choices borrowers face.
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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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ARM vs Fixed
Should you lock in a fixed rate or stay flexible?
One question I hear a lot is whether a fixed-rate mortgage or an adjustable-rate mortgage makes more sense. The answer really depends on your comfort level and your timeline. A fixed rate gives you payment certainty for the life of the loan—you know exactly what you're paying every month, no surprises. An ARM can start lower, which may help you qualify or keep early payments down, but your rate can change after the initial period ends. Some borrowers are comfortable with that trade-off if they plan to sell or refinance before the rate adjusts. Others sleep better at night knowing their payment never changes. There's no wrong choice here—just the right one for your situation. I'd love to walk through both options with you and see which aligns better with your goals. Let's talk through what makes the most sense for your home and your budget.
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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 Michael Barnhart team any time and we'll walk you through your options. |
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