Joe Spears · November 3, 2026

Your budget matters more than you think

Mortgage Market Update

My Mortgage Company

Joe Spears

Tuesday, November 3, 2026

Your budget matters more than you think

Hi there. This week I want to talk about something I see borrowers overlook when they're shopping around.

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.


Affordability Math

Why your budget matters more than the rate

When rates move, a lot of people focus on the interest percentage. But here's what actually affects your daily life: your monthly payment and how it fits into your budget. Two borrowers with the same rate can end up with very different payments depending on their loan term, down payment, and loan type. Before you chase the lowest rate you hear about, it's worth asking yourself what payment you're comfortable with and what loan structure gets you there. That's where the real decisions happen. I'm happy to walk through how different options would actually look for you—no obligation.

Let's talk about what a realistic payment looks like in 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 My Mortgage Company team any time and we'll walk you through your options.

Your Mortgage Advisor

M

My Mortgage Company

Joe Spears

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