Agostino (Augie) Iacono | Powered by Barrett Financial Group · August 1, 2026

How much equity have you actually built?

Mortgage Market Update

Agostino (Augie) Iacono | Powered by Barrett Financial Group

Agostino (Augie) Iacono | Powered by Barrett Financial Group

Saturday, August 1, 2026

How much equity have you actually built?

This week I want to remind you about one of the smartest wealth-building tools you have: home equity. If you've been paying your mortgage steadily, you likely have more than you realize.

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

Your home's equity is probably worth more than you think

If you've owned your home for a few years, you likely have built up equity—the difference between what your home is worth today and what you still owe on your mortgage. Even modest home appreciation combined with your regular payments can add up quickly. That equity can be a valuable financial tool. Some people tap it for home improvements, education costs, or consolidating debt. Others use it as a down payment toward another property. The first step is simply knowing what you have. If you're curious where you stand, I can help you run the numbers and explore what your equity might mean for your situation.

Let's talk about your equity and what options might make sense for 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 Agostino (Augie) Iacono | Powered by Barrett Financial Group team any time and we'll walk you through your options.

Your Mortgage Advisor

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Agostino (Augie) Iacono | Powered by Barrett Financial Group

Agostino (Augie) Iacono | Powered by Barrett Financial Group

Augie@BarrettFinancial.com

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