Gaby Lockhart · August 20, 2026

Picking the right loan program for you

Mortgage Market Update

Gaby Lockhart

Gaby Lockhart

Thursday, August 20, 2026

Picking the right loan program for you

Not all mortgages are created equal. The loan program you choose affects your flexibility, your costs, and your peace of mind.

National Mortgage Rates · August 13, 2026

30-Year Fixed

6.67%

FHA 30-Year

6.46%

VA 30-Year

6.36%

Rate trend

Source: Freddie Mac PMMS & Optimal Blue via FRED

Rates shown are national averages 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

Your loan program matters more than you think

When you're shopping for a mortgage, it's easy to focus only on interest rates. But the type of loan you choose—fixed-rate, adjustable-rate, FHA, VA, conventional—shapes your entire borrowing experience. Each program has different rules about down payments, credit requirements, and how your monthly payment behaves over time. The right program for someone else might not be right for you. That's why I always ask borrowers about their timeline, risk tolerance, and long-term plans before recommending a path forward. If you're not sure whether your current loan is the best fit, or you're curious what other options might be available to you, I'm here to walk through them.

Let's talk about which loan program makes the most sense for your situation.

Tip of the Week

If your credit score is below 740, even small improvements before applying for a mortgage can save you thousands over the life of the loan.

Tips for Homeowners

Weatherproofing Your Home Before Winter

1.

Clean your chimney if you have a fireplace. The National Fire Protection Association recommends annual inspection and cleaning to prevent chimney fires.

2.

Check attic insulation and ventilation before winter. Inadequate insulation leads to heat loss, higher energy bills, and ice dams on the roof that can cause significant damage.

3.

Inspect weatherstripping on all exterior doors. A simple dollar-bill test works: close the door on a bill — if you can pull it out easily, your weatherstripping needs replacing.

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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