Dunn Mortgage Team · September 11, 2026

Fixed or adjustable: what's the difference?

Mortgage Market Update

Dunn Mortgage Team

Dunn Mortgage Team

Friday, September 11, 2026

Fixed or adjustable: what's the difference?

One mortgage question comes up again and again: should I choose a fixed rate or an adjustable one? Let me break down how each works and what to think about.

National Mortgage Rates · September 10, 2026

Conventional 30-Year

6.38%

VA 30-Year

6.09%

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.

Check My Rate →

Loan Basics

Fixed vs. adjustable: which fits your plan?

One of the biggest choices in a mortgage is whether to lock in a rate for the full life of the loan or start with a lower rate that adjusts over time. A fixed rate stays the same no matter what happens to the market — predictability you can count on. An adjustable rate typically begins lower but can change after an initial period, which means your payment could go up. The right choice depends on how long you plan to stay in your home, how comfortable you are with payment uncertainty, and what your finances can handle if rates move. There's no universal 'best' answer, only the best answer for you. I'd love to walk through both options and help you see which one aligns with your goals.

Let's talk through what makes sense for your situation.

Tip of the Week

Gift funds from family can be used toward a down payment on most loan types — your lender will need a simple gift letter.

Tips for Homeowners

VA Loans: Benefits Every Veteran Should Know

1.

VA loans require no down payment and no private mortgage insurance (PMI), making them one of the most powerful home-buying tools available to eligible veterans, active-duty service members, and surviving spouses.

2.

VA loans do require a funding fee (typically 1.25%–3.3% of the loan amount), which can be rolled into the loan. Veterans with a service-connected disability rating may be exempt from this fee.

3.

There's no VA loan limit for eligible borrowers with full entitlement — you can finance as much as a lender will approve. If you've had a prior VA loan, partial entitlement rules may apply.

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

Book a Call

Your Mortgage Advisor

D

Dunn Mortgage Team

Dunn Mortgage Team

patrickd@barrettfinancial.com

619.815.3366

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3111 Camino Del Rio North San Diego, CA 92108

619.815.3366  |  http://www.PatrickDunnTeam.com

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