Tim Powers · October 27, 2026

Fixed or adjustable: which one fits you?

 

Tuesday, October 27, 2026

A Note From Tim Powers

🏡 Mortgage Rates Are Improving — Is Your Home Working for You?

Happy Tuesday!

🏡 Some Encouraging News for Homebuyers and Homeowners!

As we head into November, there's some positive news in the mortgage market!

Mortgage rates have moved lower for the second consecutive week!

According to Freddie Mac, the national average 30-year fixed mortgage rate declined to 7.15% last week, compared with 7.40% just two weeks earlier.

While rates are still higher than we'd all prefer, this is a welcome improvement.

And there's more good news for potential buyers!

National housing inventory has increased compared with last year, giving buyers more homes to consider and potentially more opportunities to negotiate.

🔑 Thinking About Buying? Your Opportunity May Be Closer Than You Think!

One thing I've learned in more than 20 years in the mortgage business is that waiting for the "perfect" market doesn't always lead to the best opportunity.

Sometimes the opportunity is finding the right home, negotiating favorable terms, and structuring your financing correctly.

Today's buyers may be able to explore:

✅ Seller contributions toward closing costs

✅ Temporary or permanent interest-rate buydowns

✅ Low-down-payment financing options

✅ New construction and builder incentives

✅ Different loan programs that could improve affordability

The key isn't simply what interest rates are doing. It's what your total monthly payment looks like and whether buying makes sense for your financial goals.

And remember, if mortgage rates improve in the future, refinancing may be an option worth exploring. Your purchase should still make financial sense at today's terms.

🏠 Already Own a Home? Let's Make Sure You're Making the Most of It!

If you're already a homeowner, you have something valuable!

Whether you've owned your home for two years or twenty, you've had the opportunity to build equity, establish stability, and potentially benefit from appreciation.

But here's something many homeowners overlook:

Your mortgage shouldn't be something you simply set and forget.

Just like reviewing your insurance policies or retirement accounts, it's smart to periodically review your mortgage.

Your home may have accumulated equity that could help you accomplish other financial goals.

For example:

🔨 Home Improvements: Remodel your kitchen, upgrade your backyard, or make necessary repairs.

💳 Debt Consolidation: Explore options for managing high-interest credit cards or other debts.

🎓 Education Expenses: Help with college tuition or other educational costs.

💍 Major Life Events: Weddings, family celebrations, or other important expenses.

💰 Financial Flexibility: Explore opportunities to improve monthly cash flow or prepare for future expenses.

And here's something important:

You may be able to access equity WITHOUT refinancing your existing first mortgage!

Depending on your circumstances, a home equity line of credit (HELOC) or second mortgage may allow you to preserve your current first mortgage and its interest rate.

Of course, borrowing against your home isn't always the right answer. It increases debt secured by your property, and we'll carefully evaluate the costs and risks.

⭐ Before the Year Ends, Let's Give Your Mortgage a FREE Checkup!

With the holidays approaching and a new year right around the corner, this is a great time to review your financial picture.

I'm offering a FREE Mortgage & Home Equity Review to help you better understand your options.

We'll look at your current mortgage, estimated home equity, monthly payment, and financial goals.

Maybe there's an opportunity to improve your situation.

Maybe there's a better financing option available.

Or maybe you're already in a fantastic position, and the smartest thing to do is absolutely nothing!

Either way, you'll know.

📞 Let's Take 10 Minutes and Review Your Options!

Whether you're considering purchasing a home, exploring your equity, or simply wondering if your existing mortgage could be working better for you, I'm happy to help.

With over 20 years of experience and access to more than 150 lenders, my goal is to help you make informed decisions.

👉 Simply reply to this email with "REVIEW" and I'll be happy to put together a complimentary mortgage checkup!

Thinking about buying? Reply with "BUYING" and let's explore your options.

No pressure. No obligation. Just helpful information!

Have a fantastic week!

Tim Powers

Mortgage Market Update

Fixed or adjustable: which one fits you?

Hi there. One of the most important decisions in the mortgage process isn't always obvious at first—but it shapes your entire borrowing experience.

National Mortgage Rates · November 2, 2026

Conventional 30-Year

7.13%

FHA 30-Year

6.96%

VA 30-Year

6.76%

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.

Check My Rate →

Loan Programs

Fixed or adjustable: which fits your plan?

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 start with an adjustable rate that can move over time. A fixed rate gives you predictability—your payment stays the same for 15, 20, or 30 years, which makes budgeting straightforward. An adjustable rate often starts lower, which can work well if you plan to sell or refinance before rates adjust, or if you're confident your income will grow. Neither is right for everyone. The best choice depends on how long you plan to stay in the home, your comfort level with payment changes, and your overall financial picture. I'd love to walk through both options and help you figure out which structure makes sense for your situation.

Let's talk through what works best for your timeline and peace of mind.

Tip of the Week

Test your sump pump before the rainy season by pouring water into the pit — a failed pump can lead to serious basement flooding.

Tips for Homeowners

Rate Lock Strategy: When and How Long to Lock

1.

A rate lock guarantees your interest rate for a set period — typically 30, 45, or 60 days. Longer locks cost more but protect you if the process takes longer than expected.

2.

Lock when you're under contract and confident the deal will close. Don't lock before you have a signed purchase agreement — you're paying for protection you may not need.

3.

If rates drop after you lock, ask your lender about a float-down option. Some lenders offer this for a fee, allowing you to take advantage of a lower rate if the market moves in your favor.

Have questions about how any of this affects your mortgage or home purchase? We're here to help — reach out to the Tim Powers team any time and we'll walk you through your options.

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Tim Powers

Tim Powers

Tim Powers

tpowers@barrettfinancial.com

+1 253-209-4247

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16427 N Scottsdale Rd Ste 410, Scottsdale, AZ 85254

+1 253-209-4247

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