Kurt Kessler · August 1, 2026

Have you checked your home equity lately?

Mortgage Market Update

Kurt Kessler

Kurt Kessler

Saturday, August 1, 2026

Have you checked your home equity lately?

Hi there. This week I want to talk about something a lot of homeowners overlook—and that often surprises them when we dig into the numbers.

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

You might have more equity than you think

If you bought your home a few years ago, or even refinanced recently, your home's value may have grown since you took out your loan. That means you've likely built equity—the difference between what your home is worth today and what you still owe on it. Equity isn't just a number on paper. It can open doors: a cash-out refinance to fund a renovation, a home equity line of credit for emergencies, or simply the peace of mind that comes with owning more of your home outright. The tricky part is knowing your home's actual value. Home values shift with the market and vary block to block. If you're curious where you stand, I can help you explore what your equity position really looks like and whether it makes sense to tap into it. Let's talk.

Reach out if you'd like to discuss your home's current value and what your equity could do 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 Kurt Kessler team any time and we'll walk you through your options.

Your Mortgage Advisor

K

Kurt Kessler

Kurt Kessler

kurtkessler@barrettfinancial.com

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