Douglas Wilkerson · August 1, 2026

How much equity have you built?

Mortgage Market Update

Douglas Wilkerson

Douglas Wilkerson

Saturday, August 1, 2026

How much equity have you built?

Hi there. This week I want to talk about something a lot of homeowners don't think about until they need it: the equity you've already built.

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 Building

How much equity are you sitting on right now?

If you've owned your home for a few years, you're probably building equity faster than you realize. Every mortgage payment chips away at what you owe, and if your home's value has held steady or grown, that's equity working for you too. Some of my clients are surprised to learn they have enough equity to tap into for home improvements, education, or other goals—without selling. Whether you're thinking about a cash-out refinance, a home equity line, or just want to know where you stand, it's worth a quick conversation. I can pull the numbers and show you what your equity might unlock. Knowing this can open up options you didn't know you had.

Let's check your equity—reach out and we'll run the numbers together.

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 Douglas Wilkerson team any time and we'll walk you through your options.

Your Mortgage Advisor

D

Douglas Wilkerson

Douglas Wilkerson

Douglas.Wilkerson@EdgeHomeFinance.com

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