Angie Keene · October 31, 2026

How much equity do you actually have?

Mortgage Market Update

Angie Keene

Angie Keene

Saturday, October 31, 2026

How much equity do you actually have?

Every month you pay your mortgage, something quietly builds in the background—something that belongs entirely to you. Let me explain what it is and why it matters.

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.


Equity Basics

Your home's equity is your financial backup plan

As you pay down your mortgage, you're building equity—the difference between what your home is worth and what you still owe. A lot of people don't realize this is money that's actually yours, and it can become a valuable tool down the road. Whether life throws you an unexpected expense or an opportunity comes along, knowing how much equity you have matters. It affects your refinancing options, your ability to borrow against your home if needed, and your overall financial flexibility. If you're curious about where you stand right now, I'm happy to run a quick assessment with you.

Let me know if you'd like to talk through your home's equity and what it could mean for your situation.

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 Angie Keene team any time and we'll walk you through your options.

Your Mortgage Advisor

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Angie Keene

Angie Keene

akeene@barrettfinancial.com

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