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Mortgage Market Update
Michael Barnhart
Michael Barnhart
Tuesday, October 20, 2026
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Fixed or adjustable—what's the difference? |
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One of the biggest decisions in your mortgage journey is the type of loan you choose. Let me break down the two main options and what each one means for your future.
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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 vs. adjustable: which fits your plan?
One of the biggest choices you'll make is whether to lock in a fixed interest rate for the life of your loan or start with a lower adjustable rate. Fixed-rate loans offer peace of mind—your payment never changes. Adjustable-rate loans typically begin lower but can increase over time, which works well if you plan to sell or refinance before rates adjust. The right choice depends on how long you'll stay in the home and how comfortable you are with payment changes down the road. I'd love to walk through both options with you and help you figure out which one aligns with your goals. Let's talk through which loan type makes sense for your situation.
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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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