Travis Buis · August 1, 2026

How much equity have you actually built?

Mortgage Market Update

Travis Buis

Travis Buis

Saturday, August 1, 2026

How much equity have you actually built?

Hi there—this week I'm focusing on something many homeowners overlook: the equity they've already built. Here's why it matters 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 home equity are you sitting on?

If you've owned your home for a few years, you're likely building equity faster than you realize. Every mortgage payment chips away at what you owe, and if your home's value has held steady or grown, you're building wealth in the process. That equity can become a tool—whether you need cash for a renovation, education, or consolidating debt. The tricky part is knowing what you actually have available and whether tapping into it makes financial sense for your situation. I'd encourage you to take a moment and think about when you bought, what you paid, and what your home might be worth today. If you're curious about the numbers and what options might be available to you, I'm here to walk through it together.

Reach out if you'd like to discuss what your equity position looks like and whether it makes sense to put it to work.

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 Travis Buis team any time and we'll walk you through your options.

Your Mortgage Advisor

T

Travis Buis

Travis Buis

travis@elitehl.com

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