Katy Betcher · November 3, 2026

Fixed or adjustable—what's the difference for you

Mortgage Market Update

KATY BETCHER

Katy Betcher

Tuesday, November 3, 2026

Fixed or adjustable—what's the difference for you

Not all mortgages work the same way, and the type you choose can affect your budget for years to come. Let's break down one of the key decisions you'll make.

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.


Loan Programs

Fixed or adjustable: which makes sense for you

One of the biggest decisions in getting a mortgage is choosing between a fixed rate and an adjustable rate loan. A fixed rate stays the same for the entire life of your loan—predictable and stable. An adjustable rate typically starts lower but can change after an initial period, which means your payment could go up or down depending on market conditions. Neither is automatically better; it depends on your plans, how long you're staying in the home, and your comfort with uncertainty. The right choice for your neighbor might not be right for you. That's why it's worth talking through your specific situation before you decide.

If you'd like to explore which structure fits your goals, I'm here to walk you through it.

Tip of the Week

Refinancing resets your amortization clock. If you're 10 years into a 30-year loan, consider a shorter term to avoid paying more total interest.

Tips for Homeowners

Co-Signing a Mortgage: What You're Really Agreeing To

1.

Co-signing makes you equally responsible for the debt. If the primary borrower misses payments, your credit score takes the same hit and the lender can pursue you for the full balance.

2.

The co-signed mortgage debt appears on your credit report and counts toward your DTI. This can limit your ability to qualify for your own financing until the loan is paid off or refinanced out of your name.

3.

There's no automatic way to remove yourself as a co-signer — the primary borrower must refinance the loan in their name alone. Get this understanding in writing before you sign.

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

Your Mortgage Advisor

K

KATY BETCHER

Katy Betcher

katy@barrettfinancial.com

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