Next Level Lending MN · October 20, 2026

Your credit score matters more than you think

Mortgage Market Update

Next Level Lending MN

Next Level Lending MN

Tuesday, October 20, 2026

Your credit score matters more than you think

Hi there. I want to walk you through something that affects your mortgage more than most people realize—and what you can actually do about it.

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.


Smart Borrowing

What your credit score actually controls

Your credit score does more than just get you approved or denied—it shapes nearly every number in your mortgage deal. A higher score typically means you qualify for better terms and more favorable pricing. A lower score doesn't lock you out, but it may affect which loan programs make sense for you and what you'll pay over time. The good news: you don't need perfection. Most lenders work with a wide range of scores, and understanding where you stand helps us find the right fit. If you've never pulled your credit or it's been a while, now's a good time to look. Small improvements can add up, and knowing what you're working with removes guesswork from the conversation.

Curious where your credit stands and how it affects your options? Let's talk.

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 Next Level Lending MN team any time and we'll walk you through your options.

Your Mortgage Advisor

N

Next Level Lending MN

Next Level Lending MN

drewpeterson@nextlevellendingmn.com

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