Matthew Bramow · October 31, 2026

How much equity have you built?

Mortgage Market Update

Matthew Bramow

Matthew Bramow

Saturday, October 31, 2026

How much equity have you built?

Hello! One of the most overlooked assets homeowners have is often right in front of them. This week I want to help you understand yours.

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 Awareness

You may own more of your home than you think

As you make mortgage payments month after month, you're building equity—the difference between what your home is worth and what you still owe. Many homeowners don't realize how much equity they've accumulated, especially if they've been paying down their loan for several years. Understanding your equity matters because it can open doors: you might refinance into better terms, tap into it for a large expense, or simply know your financial position more clearly. The best way to know where you stand is a conversation. I can help you understand what you've built and whether any of your options make sense for your situation.

Let's talk about your equity and what it means 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 Matthew Bramow team any time and we'll walk you through your options.

Your Mortgage Advisor

M

Matthew Bramow

Matthew Bramow

mike.ross@modelmtg.com

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