Scott Orich · November 3, 2026

Debt strategy and your mortgage options

Mortgage Market Update

Scott Orich

Scott Orich

Tuesday, November 3, 2026

Debt strategy and your mortgage options

Hello, and welcome back. This week I want to tackle something many of you have asked about—how your other debts affect your mortgage 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.


Paying Down Debt

Your mortgage and your other debts: how they work together

When you're managing a mortgage alongside credit cards, car loans, or student debt, it's easy to feel like you're juggling too many pieces. Here's something that might help: the order in which you pay down different debts can affect both your finances and your ability to borrow in the future. Your mortgage lender looks at your overall debt picture—not just your home loan—when deciding what you qualify for. So if you're thinking about refinancing, buying another property, or simply want to improve your financial health, understanding which debts to prioritize makes a real difference. The conversation often isn't as simple as 'pay the highest rate first,' because your credit score, monthly obligations, and long-term goals all play a role. I'd love to walk through your specific situation and help you think about a strategy that works for you.

Let's talk through your debt picture and what 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 Scott Orich team any time and we'll walk you through your options.

Your Mortgage Advisor

S

Scott Orich

Scott Orich

scott.orich@onerealmortgage.com

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