Clemens Mortgage Group, LLC Β· August 1, 2026

How much equity have you built?

Mortgage Market Update

Jennifer Clemens

Clemens Mortgage Group, LLC

Saturday, August 1, 2026

How much equity have you built?

A Note From Jennifer Clemens

Happy Friday! 😎 Mortgage rates saw some pressure this week as markets reacted to ongoing global tensions and economic uncertainty. This afternoon, bond markets sold off after the Trump/Xi summit wrapped up with little progress toward easing concerns overseas, pushing Treasury yields to their highest levels since May 2025. Temporary rate buy-downs continue to be a hot topic and help buyer's ease into their mortgage payment. Seller concessions, rate buy downs, bridge loans and strategy conversations can make a huge difference. Also - We can now offer VantageScore options on certain loan programs in addition to traditional FICO scoring. This could be a game changer for some buyers and may even help save deals that previously may not have qualified. πŸ™Œ If you need help running numbers or navigating a tricky scenario, I’m always just a text away!

Welcome to this week's lending update. I'm sharing insights to help you make confident decisions about your home and mortgage.

National Mortgage Rates Β· 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.

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Equity Check

Have you built more equity than you think?

If you've been in your home for a few years, you likely have more equity than your original down payment. Every mortgage payment builds itβ€”and so does home appreciation. That equity can be a financial tool: some people use it to refinance into better loan terms, others tap it for home improvements or major expenses through a home equity line of credit. The catch is you won't know what you're working with until you find out. A quick home valuation and a look at your current loan balance can show you exactly where you stand. It's worth knowing, whether you're planning to move, invest in your home, or just understand your net worth better. I'd be happy to walk you through the numbers.

Reach out and we can get a clear picture of your equity position.

Tip of the Week

Landscaping maintenance protects your home's value β€” 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 β€” reach out to the Jennifer Clemens team any time and we'll walk you through your options.

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Jennifer Clemens

Jennifer Clemens

Clemens Mortgage Group, LLC

jennifer@clemensmortgagegroup.com

602-214-9048

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602-214-9048  |  https://clemensmortgagegroup.com/

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