Chris Ristau · November 1, 2026

How much equity do you actually have?

Mortgage Market Update

Chris Ristau

Chris Ristau

Sunday, November 1, 2026

How much equity do you actually have?

Hi there. This week I want to circle back to something that affects more borrowers than you'd think—and often catches people by surprise when they finally check.

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 Building

The money you're already making in your home

Every mortgage payment you make builds equity—the difference between what your home is worth and what you owe. Over time, this becomes real wealth. The sooner you understand how much equity you have, the sooner you can decide what to do with it. Some people use it to refinance into better terms. Others tap into it for major expenses or home improvements. A few hold it and watch it grow. The point is: it's yours, and knowing the number matters. I can help you find out exactly where you stand and what your options look like.

Let's talk about your equity and what might make sense next.

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 Chris Ristau team any time and we'll walk you through your options.

Your Mortgage Advisor

C

Chris Ristau

Chris Ristau

chris@e3loans.com

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