Mortgage Market Update

Michael Barnhart

Tuesday, November 3, 2026

Loan type matters—here's why

Not all mortgages are created equal. I want to help you understand the differences so you can make a choice that actually works for you.

National Mortgage Rates · November 2, 2026

Conventional 30-Year

7.13%

FHA 30-Year

6.96%

VA 30-Year

6.76%

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

Why your loan type matters more than you think

When you're looking at mortgages, it's easy to focus only on interest rates. But the type of loan you choose—fixed-rate, adjustable, conventional, FHA, VA, USDA—shapes your entire borrowing experience. Each program comes with different rules about down payments, credit flexibility, and how your payments work over time. The right fit depends on your timeline, how long you plan to stay in your home, and what kind of payment stability you need. I've seen borrowers save real money and sleep better at night simply by matching their loan to their actual life. If you're unsure which program makes sense for your situation, I'd love to walk through your options with you.

Let's talk about which loan program fits your goals.

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 Michael Barnhart team any time and we'll walk you through your options.

Your Mortgage Advisor

Michael Barnhart

mike.barnhart@swiftmortgagebroker.com

You are receiving this from Michael Barnhart. Unsubscribe