Kristen Williams · August 1, 2026

How much equity do you have in your home?

Mortgage Market Update

Kristen Williams

Kristen Williams

Saturday, August 1, 2026

How much equity do you have in your home?

Hi there—this week I want to remind you of something many homeowners overlook: the real wealth you're building just by making your mortgage payments each month.

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

Have you checked your home equity lately?

If you've been in your home for a few years, you probably have more equity built up than you realize. Equity is the difference between what your home is worth and what you still owe on your mortgage—and it's real money you own.

Why does this matter? Because equity can open doors. Whether you're thinking about refinancing, making home improvements, or handling an unexpected expense, knowing your equity position helps you make smarter financial decisions. You might also be surprised at how much you've already paid down. I'd encourage you to take a few minutes to get a rough sense of where you stand. If you'd like help calculating it, I'm happy to walk you through it.

Reach out anytime—I'm here to help you understand your equity and explore your options.

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 Kristen Williams team any time and we'll walk you through your options.

Your Mortgage Advisor

K

Kristen Williams

Kristen Williams

kristen.williams@edgehomefinance.com

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