Emily J Torvik · October 31, 2026

Do you know which type of loan you have?

Mortgage Market Update

Emily Torvik

Emily J Torvik

Saturday, October 31, 2026

Do you know which type of loan you have?

Hi there. This week I want to circle back to something that doesn't get enough attention: the actual structure of your mortgage, and why it matters.

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 your current loan, the type of mortgage you choose matters as much as the rate itself. Fixed-rate mortgages lock in your payment for the life of the loan—predictable and straightforward. Adjustable-rate mortgages start lower but can change over time. Some loans let you put down less money upfront; others reward larger down payments. Specialized programs exist for first-time buyers, rural properties, and specific financial situations. The right choice depends on your timeline, risk comfort, and long-term plans for the home. If you're curious whether your current loan still fits your life, or you're exploring options for a purchase, I'd be happy to walk you through what's available and what makes sense for you.

Let's talk about which program might work best for your situation.

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 Emily Torvik team any time and we'll walk you through your options.

Your Mortgage Advisor

E

Emily Torvik

Emily J Torvik

etorvik@barrettfinancial.com

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