Michael King · October 31, 2026

Your home equity can do more than you think

Mortgage Market Update

Michael King

Michael King

Saturday, October 31, 2026

Your home equity can do more than you think

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

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.

Check My Rate →

Home Equity

What your home equity actually means for you

If you've owned your home for a while, you've likely built equity—the difference between what your home is worth and what you still owe on your mortgage. That equity isn't just a number on paper. It can be a real financial tool when you need it. Some homeowners tap into their equity to fund home improvements, pay off other debts, or handle unexpected expenses. Others leave it alone. The point is understanding what you have gives you options and peace of mind. If you're curious whether your equity could work for you, I'm happy to walk through what that might look like.

Let's talk about what your home equity means 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 Michael King team any time and we'll walk you through your options.

Book a Call

Your Mortgage Advisor

Michael King

Michael King

Michael King

mk@barrettfinancial.com

619-944-1137

619-944-1137  |  https://www.barrettfinancial.com/michael-king

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