These are national mortgage index rates as of October 20, 2026. The 30-year fixed is at 7.33% — down 0.04% from last week, FHA at 7.13%, and VA at 6.95%. For exact rates tailored to your buyers, reach out to your loan officer directly.

Source: Optimal Blue daily mortgage indices via FRED

From Your Lending Partner

VA Loans Are the Most Powerful Buying Tool Your Veteran Clients Have

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 The stigma is outdated.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.

Mortgage News Daily

Existing Home Sales Treading Same Old Water

If you're busy, we can make this quick. Existing home sales dropped sharply from over 6m units per year starting in 2022 and had bottomed out around 4m units per year by the end of 2023. They've done essentially nothing exciting since then and the latest update is no exception. The end.  If you prefer to read an article-sized article, here you go: Existing-home sales edged higher in September

HousingWire

In the news this week

A path back below 7% exists, but spreads and geopolitics still matter

Mortgage News Daily

Home Prices Keep Climbing, Just Not Everywhere

Home prices picked up a little more speed in July, as both FHFA and the S&P Cotality Case-Shiller Home Price Indices showed stronger annual appreciation than in their previous readings. The gains remain relatively modest by historical standards, and while nominal prices are still moving higher nationally, the picture looks considerably less impressive after accounting for inflation. The FHFA H

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.

Share With Your Buyers

Understanding Your Credit Score

Tip of the Week

Your loan officer can run a credit simulator to show exactly which actions will move your score the most.

Your Mortgage Advisor