09/03/2026
Second mortgages on the rise! Something I’m Seeing More Often at the Closing Table…
Most of you know me for estate planning, but I’ve also been a residential real estate closing attorney for 20+ years, handling easily 10,000+ transactions - some purchases, but mostly refinances.
So, I’ve seen A LOT of mortgage trends over the years. And lately, one really stands out:
👉🏽 More homeowners are taking out second mortgages and home equity loans.
Why? 💳 Debt—especially high-interest credit card debt.
Many homeowners have first mortgages with rates around 2–4% and understandably don’t want to refinance their entire mortgage at today’s higher rates.
Instead, I’m seeing homeowners:
🏠 Keep their low-rate first mortgage
💰 Access equity through a second mortgage/home equity loan
💳 Pay off higher-interest credit cards, car loans, or other debt
📉 Potentially lower the interest they’re paying on that debt
Essentially, instead of refinancing the ENTIRE mortgage and losing that great 2–4% rate, they’re borrowing only what they need - so only that portion is subject to today’s higher rates.
Is this right for everyone? Absolutely not. You’re securing additional debt with your home, so you have to consider the risks, closing costs, payments, loan terms, and your ability to repay.
But if you have substantial home equity and high-interest debt, or need access to cash for other reasons, it may be an option worth discussing with a qualified mortgage or financial professional.
Just an observation from someone who has spent 20+ years at the closing table as well.🏡
👇🏽 Would you consider tapping your home equity to pay off higher-interest debt, or would you leave your equity alone?