Nicholas Dolen · September 2, 2026

Fixed or adjustable—what's the real difference?

Mortgage Market Update

Nicholas Dolen

Nicholas Dolen

Wednesday, September 2, 2026

Fixed or adjustable—what's the real difference?

One of the biggest decisions in a mortgage happens before you even close. Let me break down a choice that affects your entire loan.

National Mortgage Rates · August 27, 2026

30-Year Fixed

6.66%

VA 30-Year

6.38%

Rate trend

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.


Fixed vs. Adjustable

Why your loan type matters more than you think

When you're shopping for a mortgage, one of the biggest choices you'll make is whether to lock in a fixed rate or go with an adjustable one. A fixed rate stays the same for the life of your loan—predictable, stable, easy to budget around. An adjustable rate typically starts lower but can change after an initial period, which means your payment could go up (or down) later on. The right choice depends on your plans, your comfort with risk, and where rates are headed. Neither is wrong; it's about what fits your life and your peace of mind. I'd love to walk you through the pros and cons for your specific situation.

Let's talk about which option makes sense for 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 Nicholas Dolen team any time and we'll walk you through your options.

Your Mortgage Advisor

N

Nicholas Dolen

Nicholas Dolen

ndolen@westcapitallending.com

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