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THIS WEEK
How much equity have you built?
Hi there—this week I want to talk about something that quietly works in your favor every single month. Whether you're early in your loan or several years in, understanding your equity can open up real opportunities.
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RATE SNAPSHOT · July 30, 2026
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30-YR FIXED
6.66%
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FHA 30-YR
6.43%
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VA 30-YR
6.25%
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Source: Freddie Mac PMMS & Optimal Blue via FRED. National averages — informational only.
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Equity Building
How much equity are you actually building?
Every mortgage payment you make builds equity—but most people don't realize how much. In the early years, most of your payment goes toward interest, so progress feels slow. But as time goes on, that ratio flips, and equity builds faster. If you've owned your home for a few years, there's a good chance you have more equity than you think. That equity can open doors: it can help you refinance to better terms, fund a renovation, or even tap into it if life throws a curveball. The best part is, you're building it automatically every month, whether you're thinking about it or not. If you're curious where you actually stand, I'd love to help you figure it out. Reach out and we can run the numbers on your home's equity and what that means for your options.
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Tip of the Week
Landscaping maintenance protects your home's value — overgrown yards are the number one curb appeal issue buyers notice.
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Tips for Homeowners
HOA Fees and How They Affect Your Mortgage
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1.
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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.
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2.
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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.
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3.
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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.
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Have questions about how any of this affects your mortgage or home purchase? We're here to help — reach out to the Brad Flores team any time and we'll walk you through your options.
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