Bianca Lopez · October 31, 2026

Fixed rate or adjustable—which is right for you?

Mortgage Market Update

Bianca Lopez

Bianca Lopez

Saturday, October 31, 2026

Fixed rate or adjustable—which is right for you?

One choice on your mortgage application carries more long-term weight than people realize. Let's break down the two main paths and help you pick the one that fits your life.

National Mortgage Rates · October 29, 2026

Conventional 30-Year

7.15%

FHA 30-Year

7.04%

VA 30-Year

6.79%

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.

Check My Rate →

Loan Programs

Fixed vs. adjustable: which fits your plan?

One of the biggest decisions on your mortgage application is picking between a fixed-rate loan (where your rate stays the same for the life of the loan) and an adjustable-rate mortgage, or ARM (where your rate can change after an initial period). Fixed rates give you predictability and peace of mind — your payment never changes. ARMs often start lower, which can mean a smaller payment early on, but they come with the risk that your rate could go up later. The right choice depends on how long you plan to stay in your home and how comfortable you are with payment uncertainty. If you're planning to sell or refinance in a few years, an ARM might work. If you want to set it and forget it, fixed is usually the safer bet. Let's talk about your timeline and comfort level — I can help you think through which option makes sense for your situation.

Reach out if you'd like to explore both options and see what the numbers look like for you.

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 Bianca Lopez team any time and we'll walk you through your options.

Book a Call

Your Mortgage Advisor

Bianca Lopez

Bianca Lopez

Bianca Lopez

BiancaJ@BarrettFinancial.com

(520) 907-2520

2701 East Insight Way, Suite 150, Chandler, AZ 85286

(520) 907-2520  |  https://themortgagehomemaker.com/

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