Barrett Financial · August 1, 2026

How much equity have you actually built?

Mortgage Market Update

Nicholas do Carmo

Barrett Financial

Saturday, August 1, 2026

How much equity have you actually built?

Hello! This week I want to help you get clear on something many homeowners overlook. Here's what you should know.

National Mortgage Rates · July 30, 2026

30-Year Fixed

6.66%

FHA 30-Year

6.43%

VA 30-Year

6.25%

Rate trend

Source: Freddie Mac PMMS & Optimal Blue via FRED

Rates shown are national averages 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 Reality Check

What is your home equity actually worth?

If you've owned your home for a few years, you likely have built up equity—the difference between what your home is worth and what you still owe. But many homeowners don't have a clear picture of that number, and it matters more than you might think. Knowing your equity opens doors: it can qualify you for a home equity line of credit, help you refinance into better terms, or give you options if life circumstances change. The best part is that getting an accurate read on your equity is free and usually takes just a conversation. I can pull a quick valuation and run the numbers for you—no obligation, no surprises.

If you've been in your home through a strong market, or even just kept making payments steadily, you may have more flexibility than you realize.

Let's find out what your equity position looks like—reach out anytime.

Tip of the Week

Landscaping maintenance protects your home's value — overgrown yards are the number one curb appeal issue buyers notice.

Tips for Homeowners

HOA Fees and How They Affect Your Mortgage

1.

HOA dues are included in your debt-to-income ratio calculation when you apply for a mortgage. High HOA fees reduce how much home you can qualify for.

2.

Before buying in an HOA, review the financials: reserve fund balance, any pending special assessments, and recent meeting minutes. A depleted reserve fund can mean a large unexpected charge.

3.

HOA dues are generally not tax-deductible for a primary residence. If the home is a rental property, dues may be deductible as a business expense.

Have questions about how any of this affects your mortgage or home purchase? We're here to help — reach out to the Nicholas do Carmo team any time and we'll walk you through your options.

Your Mortgage Advisor

N

Nicholas do Carmo

Barrett Financial

nick@barrettfinancial.com

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