These are national mortgage index rates as of October 16, 2026. The 30-year fixed is at 7.28% — down 0.11% from last week, FHA at 7.13%, and VA at 6.93%. 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

The 2-1 Buydown Is One of the Best Negotiating Tools You're Not Using

Seller concessions used to mean price reductions. In this market, the smarter play is a temporary buydown — and it's one of the best tools I have to make a deal work for everyone. Here's how it works: the seller contributes funds at closing that temporarily reduce the buyer's interest rate. A 2-1 buydown means the buyer pays 2% below the note rate in year one, 1% below in year two, and the full rate from year three on. On a $400K loan at 7%, that's a first-year payment closer to a 5% rate — a difference of about $500/month. Buyers love the cash flow relief in those early years. Sellers get a cleaner deal without a price cut that affects their comp. And you get a transaction that actually closes. I can model this for any buyer in a few minutes. If you're negotiating a deal right now and the payment gap is the issue, a buydown conversation might be exactly what's needed.

I'll run a buydown model for your active listing or buyer today — just reach out.

Did You Know?

USDA Guaranteed Loan

Zero down in eligible suburban and rural areas.

USDA guaranteed loans offer 100% financing to income-qualifying buyers purchasing in eligible areas — which often includes suburban communities within 30–45 minutes of major metros. No down payment, no monthly PMI.

Share With Your Buyers

Homeownership After Closing

Tip of the Week

Consider a 15-year mortgage if the payment fits your budget — you'll pay significantly less in total interest.

Your Mortgage Advisor