Mortgage Market Update

Megan Henderson

Barrett Financial

Wednesday, September 2, 2026

Which loan type is right for you?

Hi there. This week I want to walk through something that gets overlooked too often: the shape of your loan matters just as much as the numbers attached to it.

National Mortgage Rates · August 27, 2026

30-Year Fixed

6.66%

FHA 30-Year

6.55%

VA 30-Year

6.38%

Source: Freddie Mac PMMS & Optimal Blue via FRED

Rates shown are national averages 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 Program Fit

Picking the right loan type for your situation

Not all mortgages are created equal, and the program you choose matters more than you might think. Whether you're a first-time buyer, a repeat homeowner, or someone looking to refinance, there are different loan structures—fixed rate, adjustable rate, government-backed programs, portfolio loans—each with different trade-offs. The right choice depends on your timeline, how long you plan to stay in the home, your risk tolerance, and what your finances can handle. I often see borrowers pick a program based on the lowest advertised rate, only to discover later that another option would have served them better. Let's talk through what makes sense for your specific goals and circumstances.

Give me a call or send me a message—I'd like to understand what matters most to you.

Tip of the Week

Your mortgage interest may be tax-deductible if you itemize. Check with your tax professional to see if it benefits you.

Tips for Homeowners

Understanding Mortgage Points

1.	One mortgage point equals 1% of your loan amount. Paying points ("buying down the rate") reduces your interest rate — typically 0.25% per point, though this varies by lender and market.

2.	Calculate your break-even: divide the cost of the points by your monthly savings. If it takes 4 years to break even and you plan to stay 10 years, buying points makes sense.

3.	Points paid on a home purchase are generally tax-deductible in the year paid (if you itemize). Points on a refinance must be deducted over the life of the loan.

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

Your Mortgage Advisor

Megan Henderson

Barrett Financial

meganh@barrettfinancial.com

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