BARRETT FINANCIAL GROUP LLC · October 31, 2026

Fixed or adjustable—which one's right for you?

Mortgage Market Update

Jesse Wien

BARRETT FINANCIAL GROUP LLC

Saturday, October 31, 2026

Fixed or adjustable—which one's right for you?

Hi there. This week I want to walk you through one of the biggest loan decisions you'll make—and it's easier to understand than you might think.

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 Program Basics

Fixed vs. adjustable: which loan fits your plan?

One of the first choices you'll make is whether you want a fixed-rate loan or an adjustable-rate mortgage (ARM). A fixed rate stays the same for the life of your loan—your payment never changes, which makes budgeting predictable. An ARM typically starts lower but can adjust after an initial period, which means your payment could go up. Neither is inherently right or wrong; it depends on how long you plan to stay in your home and how comfortable you are with payment uncertainty. If you're in it for the long haul and want peace of mind, fixed is usually the safer choice. If you think you'll sell or refinance within a few years, an ARM might work. The key is understanding what you're signing up for before you commit.

Let's talk through which option makes sense for your situation and timeline.

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 Jesse Wien team any time and we'll walk you through your options.

Your Mortgage Advisor

Jesse Wien

Jesse Wien

BARRETT FINANCIAL GROUP LLC

jessewien@barrettfinancial.com

9202573426

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