Todd Sevier · October 31, 2026

What equity looks like on your terms

Mortgage Market Update

Todd Sevier

Todd Sevier

Saturday, October 31, 2026

What equity looks like on your terms

Hi there—I've been thinking about how much of your hard-earned payment goes straight into your future. This week, I want to show you why that 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 & Refinancing

Home equity is working for you—even if you forget about it

Every mortgage payment you make builds equity in your home. That's real wealth accumulating in the background, whether you're thinking about it or not. The longer you own your home, the more equity you have to work with—and sometimes that opens doors you didn't know were there. If rates have shifted or your financial picture has changed since you first borrowed, your equity might unlock options like refinancing, a home equity line of credit, or even funding a major project without starting from scratch. The best time to understand what you have is before you need it. A quick conversation about your loan and your home's current value can show you exactly what your equity means in real terms.

Let's talk about what your equity can 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 Todd Sevier team any time and we'll walk you through your options.

Your Mortgage Advisor

T

Todd Sevier

Todd Sevier

todd@ottermortgage.com

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