Mortgage Broker | Cederholm Mortgage Advisors at Edge Home Finance · October 26, 2026

Should you buy now or wait for rates to drop?

Mortgage Broker | Cederholm Mortgage Advisors at Edge Home Finance
 

Monday, October 26, 2026

Mortgage Market Update

Should you buy now or wait for rates to drop?

We know the big question on your mind: is this the right time to buy, or should I wait? This week we're breaking down how to think about that decision—plus what adjustable-rate mortgages can do for your monthly budget.

National Mortgage Rates · October 23, 2026

Conventional 30-Year

6.98%

30-day Range: 6.89%–7.21%

Conventional 15-Year

6.47%

30-day Range: 6.21%–6.56%

FHA 30-Year

6.83%

30-day Range: 6.65%–6.96%

VA 30-Year

6.65%

30-day Range: 6.57%–6.88%

Rate trend

Source: Optimal Blue daily mortgage indices via FRED · Includes our pricing adjustment

Rates shown are national mortgage index rates plus our pricing adjustment, 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.

Get a Rate Quote

Loan Programs

What your loan type actually controls

Not all mortgages work the same way. The loan program you choose—fixed-rate, adjustable-rate, FHA, conventional, VA, or USDA—shapes everything from your monthly payment to how your interest rate behaves over time. Each has different rules about down payments, credit requirements, and what happens to your payment down the road. Understanding which program fits your situation matters more than chasing the absolute lowest rate this week. The right loan for you is the one that matches your plans, your finances, and your comfort level. I'd love to walk you through what each option means for your specific scenario.

Let's talk about which loan program makes sense for where you are.

Tip of the Week

Test your sump pump before the rainy season by pouring water into the pit — a failed pump can lead to serious basement flooding.

Tips for Homeowners

Rate Lock Strategy: When and How Long to Lock

1.

A rate lock guarantees your interest rate for a set period — typically 30, 45, or 60 days. Longer locks cost more but protect you if the process takes longer than expected.

2.

Lock when you're under contract and confident the deal will close. Don't lock before you have a signed purchase agreement — you're paying for protection you may not need.

3.

If rates drop after you lock, ask your lender about a float-down option. Some lenders offer this for a fee, allowing you to take advantage of a lower rate if the market moves in your favor.

Smarter Moves. Happier Homeowners.

Should you buy now or wait? Here's how to decide

The timing question keeps homebuyers up at night, especially when rates feel high. This guide walks you through the real costs of buying today versus waiting, helps you run payment scenarios, and shows you when refinancing might make sense—so you can make a choice that fits your actual situation, not just the rate headlines.

Key takeaway: comparing your total housing costs over time often matters more than waiting for a specific rate drop.
Read Article →

Real Estate - Keeping Current Matters

Adjustable-rate mortgages: a tool worth understanding

When rates climb and monthly payments feel out of reach, some buyers are taking a closer look at adjustable-rate mortgages as a way to afford the home they want right now. It's not the right move for everyone, but understanding how ARMs work can help you figure out if one might fit your strategy.

Key takeaway: an ARM can lower your starting payment, but make sure you understand how your rate adjusts and whether you have a plan for when it does.
Read Article →

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

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Paul Cederholm

Paul Cederholm

Mortgage Broker | Cederholm Mortgage Advisors at Edge Home Finance

NMLS# 1697336 · Company NMLS# 891464

paulc@mortgagecma.com

303-931-6798

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303-931-6798

NMLS# 1697336 · Company NMLS# 891464

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