Matthew McGuire · October 31, 2026

Do you know how much equity you have?

Mortgage Market Update

Matthew McGuire

Matthew McGuire

Saturday, October 31, 2026

Do you know how much equity you have?

One of the most underrated conversations in homeownership happens when you pause to check your actual position. Here's what I mean.

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 & Opportunities

You might have built more equity than you think

If you bought a few years ago or have been paying down your mortgage, your home's value and your equity position may have shifted more than you realize. Equity is powerful — it can open doors to refinancing at better terms, funding home improvements, or accessing cash when you need it. The tricky part is that many homeowners don't know where they actually stand. A quick conversation about your current loan, what you owe, and what your home might be worth today can reveal options you didn't know existed. Whether you're thinking about your next move or just curious, it's worth a conversation. I'm here to help you understand what equity means for your situation.

Let's take a look at where you stand — no obligation, just clarity.

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

Your Mortgage Advisor

M

Matthew McGuire

Matthew McGuire

matt@kotimortgage.com

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