Darius Bryant — Darius Bryant · August 1, 2026

How much equity have you actually built?

Mortgage Market Update

My Mortgage Company

Darius Bryant — Darius Bryant

Saturday, August 1, 2026

How much equity have you actually built?

Hi there. This week I want to talk about something that happens quietly in the background of every mortgage payment—and why it's worth paying attention to.

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 Building

What your mortgage payments are actually doing

Every month, your mortgage payment does two things: it pays interest to your lender, and it builds equity in your home. Early in your loan, most of that payment goes toward interest. But as time passes, more and more of each payment goes straight into your pocket—as ownership stake in your property.

This matters because equity is real wealth. You can borrow against it, tap it for a major expense, or simply enjoy knowing you're building something. If you've been in your home for a few years, you may have more equity than you realize. Understanding where you stand can help you make smarter decisions about refinancing, a second mortgage, or your long-term financial plan.

If you're curious what your equity position looks like today, I'd be happy to walk you through it.

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 My Mortgage Company team any time and we'll walk you through your options.

Your Mortgage Advisor

M

My Mortgage Company

Darius Bryant — Darius Bryant

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