Eitan Shafshak · August 1, 2026

Do you know your home equity number?

Mortgage Market Update

Eitan Shafshak

Saturday, August 1, 2026

Do you know your home equity number?

Hi there. This week I'm thinking about equity—the often-overlooked asset sitting in your home.

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 Check

Do you know how much equity you've built?

If you've owned your home for a few years, you've likely built equity through monthly payments—and possibly through appreciation in your home's value. Equity is real wealth, and it opens doors: you can tap it for major expenses, use it to refinance into better terms, or leverage it if you want to buy a second property.

The tricky part is that many homeowners don't actually know their current equity position. Home values shift, and if you haven't checked in a while, you might be surprised. If you're curious where you stand, I'd love to pull together a quick equity snapshot for you. It's one of those numbers that's worth knowing.

Drop me a note or give me a call—I can help you understand your equity and what options it might create.

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 Eitan Shafshak team any time and we'll walk you through your options.

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