Matthew Chauncey · October 31, 2026

Building equity—and what you can do with it

Mortgage Market Update

Matthew Chauncey

Matthew Chauncey

Saturday, October 31, 2026

Building equity—and what you can do with it

One of the best parts of owning a home is the way it builds wealth over time. I wanted to share a few thoughts on what that means for you.

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 & Borrowing

Your home's equity can work for you

As you pay down your mortgage and your home appreciates, you build equity—and that's real financial power. Some homeowners tap into it through a cash-out refinance or home equity line to fund renovations, consolidate debt, or cover major expenses. The key is understanding that borrowing against your equity is a choice, not an obligation. It makes sense for some goals and situations, but not all. Before exploring it, it helps to know what you have, what it might cost to access, and whether the outcome aligns with your bigger picture. I'm happy to walk through the numbers and options with you—no pressure, just clarity.

Let's talk about whether tapping your equity makes sense for what you're planning.

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 Matthew Chauncey team any time and we'll walk you through your options.

Your Mortgage Advisor

M

Matthew Chauncey

Matthew Chauncey

matthew.chauncey@barrettfinancial.com

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