Thomas Harris · October 31, 2026

You might have more options than you think

Mortgage Market Update

Thomas Harris

Thomas Harris

Saturday, October 31, 2026

You might have more options than you think

Hi there. This week I want to talk about something many homeowners overlook: the equity sitting in their home.

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.


Home Equity

Your home's value is working for you

If you've owned your home for a few years, you likely have built up equity—the difference between what your home is worth and what you still owe on your mortgage. That equity can be a powerful financial tool. Whether you need cash for home repairs, education, or other major expenses, there are ways to tap into that equity without selling. Some borrowers use a home equity line of credit or a cash-out refinance to access those funds. The key is understanding which option makes sense for your situation and your long-term financial goals. If you're curious whether you have equity available and what you might do with it, I'd love to walk through the possibilities with you.

Get in touch and let's talk about what your home equity could do for you.

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 Thomas Harris team any time and we'll walk you through your options.

Your Mortgage Advisor

T

Thomas Harris

Thomas Harris

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