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Business Partner Update
High Lakes Lending, LLC
High Lakes Lending, LLC
Saturday, October 17, 2026
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VA loans: what your veteran buyers need to know
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Rate Snapshot · October 16, 2026 |
▼ -0.11% |
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Conventional 30-Year
7.28%
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These are national mortgage index rates as of October 16, 2026. The 30-year fixed is at 7.28% — down 0.11% from last week, FHA at 7.13%, and VA at 6.93%. For exact rates tailored to your buyers, reach out to your loan officer directly.
Source: Optimal Blue daily mortgage indices via FRED
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From Your Lending Partner
VA Loans Are the Most Powerful Buying Tool Your Veteran Clients Have
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If you're working with a veteran or active-duty service member and they're not using their VA benefit, stop everything. The VA loan is the most powerful mortgage product available — zero down, no PMI, competitive rates, and flexible qualifying. A veteran buying a $450K home saves roughly $200/month in PMI alone compared to a conventional loan at 5% down. Over seven years, that's over $16,000 — and they went in with no down payment. I work with VA loans regularly and know how to structure the offer so sellers understand it's not a burden. I provide a custom VA pre-approval letter that educates the listing agent on the process. I've closed VA loans in competitive multiple-offer situations. The stigma is outdated. If you have a buyer with a DD-214 or who's currently serving, send them my way for a no-obligation call. It will likely be the most important financial conversation they have this year.
Know a veteran who hasn't used their VA benefit? Let's get them pre-approved this week.
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Did You Know?
Asset Depletion Loans
High net-worth buyers can qualify on liquid assets alone.
Buyers with significant liquid assets but limited verifiable income — retirees, investors, the independently wealthy — can qualify using asset depletion methodology. No employment, no W-2 required.
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✓Eligible assets divided over loan term to create imputed income
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✓Retirement accounts, brokerage accounts, and cash all count
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✓Available for primary, second home, and investment
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✓Loan amounts up to $3M+ depending on program
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Share With Your Buyers
Understanding Your Credit Score
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1.
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Your mortgage credit score is calculated differently than your consumer score — it's often lower.
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2.
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Paying down credit card balances below 29% utilization can boost your score in 30–45 days.
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3.
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Don't close old credit accounts before applying — length of history helps your score.
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4.
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One late payment from years ago matters less than recent on-time history — lenders look at trends.
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5.
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If your score is borderline, ask your lender to run a rapid rescore before you apply.
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Tip of the Week
Your loan officer can run a credit simulator to show exactly which actions will move your score the most.
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