Gaby Lockhart · November 6, 2026

Fixed or adjustable—what's the difference?

Mortgage Market Update

Gaby Lockhart

Gaby Lockhart

Friday, November 6, 2026

Fixed or adjustable—what's the difference?

Hi there. There's more to picking a mortgage than just finding the lowest rate. The type of loan you choose matters just as much.

National Mortgage Rates · November 5, 2026

Conventional 30-Year

7.18%

FHA 30-Year

6.90%

VA 30-Year

6.76%

Rate trend

Source: Optimal Blue daily mortgage indices via FRED · 30-yr: Freddie Mac weekly survey

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

Fixed vs. adjustable: which fits your plan

When you're shopping for a mortgage, you'll run into two main flavors: fixed-rate loans, where your payment stays the same for the life of the loan, and adjustable-rate mortgages, where the rate can change after an initial period. Fixed rates give you predictability and peace of mind—you know exactly what you'll pay every month. Adjustable rates sometimes start lower, which can mean lower initial payments, but they carry uncertainty down the road. The right choice depends on how long you plan to stay in your home, how comfortable you are with payment fluctuation, and what the current rate environment looks like. I'd love to walk you through both options and help you figure out which structure makes sense for your situation.

Let's talk through which loan type aligns with your goals.

Tip of the Week

Closing costs typically run 2-5% of the loan amount. Ask your lender for a Loan Estimate so there are no surprises.

Tips for Homeowners

Protecting Yourself from Mortgage Scams

1.

Wire fraud is one of the fastest-growing real estate scams. Never wire closing funds based solely on email instructions — always verify account numbers by calling your title company at a number you look up yourself.

2.

Loan modification and foreclosure rescue scams target homeowners in distress. Legitimate help is available free through HUD-approved counseling agencies at 800-569-4287.

3.

Be wary of unsolicited offers to refinance or cash out equity at terms that sound unusually favorable. If someone contacts you out of the blue, verify their NMLS license number at nmlsconsumeraccess.org.

Have questions about how any of this affects your mortgage or home purchase? We're here to help — reach out to the Gaby Lockhart team any time and we'll walk you through your options.

Your Mortgage Advisor

G

Gaby Lockhart

Gaby Lockhart

gabyl@barrettfinancial.com

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