Valerie Rush · November 4, 2026

Do you know how much equity you have?

Mortgage Market Update

Valerie Rush

Valerie Rush

Wednesday, November 4, 2026

Do you know how much equity you have?

Hi there. This week I want to talk about a resource many homeowners have but don't always think about.

National Mortgage Rates · November 3, 2026

Conventional 30-Year

7.17%

FHA 30-Year

6.99%

VA 30-Year

6.81%

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

What your home equity can do for you

If you've been a homeowner for a while, you've probably built up equity—the difference between what your home is worth and what you still owe on the mortgage. That equity is real money, and it opens up real options. You can tap it for a home improvement project, pay off higher-interest debt, or handle an unexpected expense. The most common ways are a cash-out refinance or a home equity line of credit. Both let you borrow against what you've already paid down. The key is knowing what you have available and whether accessing it makes sense for your situation right now. If you're curious about your options, I'd be glad to walk through the numbers with you.

Let's talk about whether tapping your equity makes sense for your goals.

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

Your Mortgage Advisor

V

Valerie Rush

Valerie Rush

valerie.rush@onerealmortgage.com

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