Jonathan Lee · November 3, 2026

Your home equity might unlock something

Mortgage Market Update

Jonathan Lee

Jonathan Lee

Tuesday, November 3, 2026

Your home equity might unlock something

I work with homeowners who don't always realize how much financial flexibility their home can provide. This week I want to walk you through it.

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 & Access

You might have more borrowing power than you realize

If you've owned your home for a while, you're likely building equity with each payment. That equity can become a real financial tool—whether you need to fund a major expense, consolidate debt, or make a home improvement. The key is understanding how much you actually have access to and what your options are. A home equity line of credit, a cash-out refinance, or a second mortgage each work differently depending on your goals and timeline. The best move depends entirely on your situation, which is why it's worth having a real conversation about what's possible for you.

Let's talk about whether tapping your equity makes sense for what you're planning.

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 Jonathan Lee team any time and we'll walk you through your options.

Your Mortgage Advisor

J

Jonathan Lee

Jonathan Lee

jlee@helm.mortgage

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