Skyler McCurdy · November 3, 2026

One thing you can control about your mortgage

Mortgage Market Update

Skyler McCurdy

Skyler McCurdy

Tuesday, November 3, 2026

One thing you can control about your mortgage

Not everything about mortgages is in your hands—but more than you might think is. This week I want to walk you through something straightforward that can genuinely change your financial picture.

National Mortgage Rates · November 2, 2026

Conventional 30-Year

7.13%

FHA 30-Year

6.96%

VA 30-Year

6.76%

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.


Smart Money

The one mortgage move that's always in your control

When rates rise and fall, when home prices shift, when life throws curveballs—there's one thing you can actually control: how much principal you pay down each month. Extra payments, even small ones, chip away at what you owe and can save you years of interest over the life of your loan. It sounds simple because it is. You don't need permission, a rate drop, or perfect timing. Whether you're just starting out or deep into your mortgage, paying down principal faster is a move that always works in your favor. I'd be happy to run the numbers and show you what even modest extra payments could mean for your timeline and total cost.

Let's talk about a paydown strategy that fits your budget.

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

Your Mortgage Advisor

S

Skyler McCurdy

Skyler McCurdy

skyler@barrettfinancial.com

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