Ashley Zierer · November 3, 2026

The equity in your home explained

Mortgage Market Update

Ashley Zierer

Ashley Zierer

Tuesday, November 3, 2026

The equity in your home explained

A lot of homeowners don't realize how powerful their equity can be—or how to put it to work. This week I want to break it down in plain terms.

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.


Equity & Options

Home equity: what it is and why it matters

As you pay down your mortgage and your home's value changes, you build equity—the difference between what your home is worth and what you owe. This isn't just something to think about at sale time. Equity can open doors: it may help you refinance into better terms, fund a renovation, or tap it if you need cash. The earlier you understand how much equity you have and how it's growing, the better positioned you'll be to make smart decisions about your home and money down the road. I'd be happy to walk you through your current equity picture and what options that might give you.

Let's talk about what your equity means for your situation.

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

Your Mortgage Advisor

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Ashley Zierer

Ashley Zierer

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