Lisa Zamora · August 1, 2026

How much equity have you built?

Mortgage Market Update

Lisa Zamora

Lisa Zamora

Saturday, August 1, 2026

How much equity have you built?

Hi there, This week I'm thinking about homeowners who haven't checked in on their equity in a while—and what you might be able to do with it.

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

How much equity are you sitting on?

If you bought a few years ago, your home has likely appreciated—and you may have built more equity than you realize. That equity can work for you in several ways: it strengthens your financial cushion, it can lower your loan-to-value ratio if you refinance, and it may unlock options like a home equity line of credit or cash-out refinance if you need funds for repairs, education, or debt payoff.

The tricky part is that many homeowners don't know their actual equity position. Rising home values don't always make local news, and without a recent appraisal or market analysis, it's easy to underestimate what you've built. If you're curious where you stand, I'd love to run the numbers with you and talk about what your equity means for your goals.

Let me know if you'd like a quick equity check—it's free, takes 10 minutes, and might surprise you.

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 Lisa Zamora team any time and we'll walk you through your options.

Your Mortgage Advisor

L

Lisa Zamora

Lisa Zamora

lzamora@barrettfinancial.com

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