Denise Abarca · November 3, 2026

Fixed or adjustable—which one to choose

Mortgage Market Update

Denise Abarca

Denise Abarca

Tuesday, November 3, 2026

Fixed or adjustable—which one to choose

When you're shopping for a mortgage, the interest rate gets all the attention. But the type of loan you pick might matter even more to your long-term finances.

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 vs. adjustable: which fits your plan?

One of the biggest choices you'll make is whether to lock in a fixed rate for the full life of your loan or start with a lower adjustable rate that can change over time. Fixed-rate loans give you payment certainty and peace of mind—you know exactly what you'll pay every month for 15, 20, or 30 years. Adjustable-rate loans may offer a lower starting point, but your payment can increase later, so they work best if you plan to sell or refinance before the rate adjusts. The right choice depends on how long you plan to stay in your home and how comfortable you are with payment risk. I'd like to walk through both options with you and show how each would work in your specific situation.

Let's talk through which structure makes the most sense for your timeline and comfort level.

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 Denise Abarca team any time and we'll walk you through your options.

Your Mortgage Advisor

D

Denise Abarca

Denise Abarca

dabarca@barrettfinancial.com

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