Lisa Zamora · October 31, 2026

Which loan program makes sense for you?

Mortgage Market Update

Lisa Zamora

Lisa Zamora

Saturday, October 31, 2026

Which loan program makes sense for you?

Every mortgage isn't built the same. Here's what borrowers should know about picking the right fit.

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.


Loan Programs

Not all mortgages work the same way

When you're shopping for a home or thinking about refinancing, the loan program you choose matters as much as the interest rate. Fixed-rate mortgages lock in your payment for the life of the loan. Adjustable-rate mortgages start lower but can change over time. FHA loans, VA loans, conventional loans — each has its own rules about down payments, credit requirements, and what you can afford. The right program depends on your situation: how long you plan to stay, whether your income might grow, and how comfortable you are with payment changes. Understanding your options means you won't overpay for features you don't need, and you won't miss programs that could actually work better for you.

If you'd like to talk through which program fits your goals, I'm here to walk you through it.

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 Lisa Zamora team any time and we'll walk you through your options.

Your Mortgage Advisor

L

Lisa Zamora

Lisa Zamora

lzamora@barrettfinancial.com

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