Angie Keene · August 1, 2026

How much equity have you built so far?

Mortgage Market Update

Angie Keene

Angie Keene

Saturday, August 1, 2026

How much equity have you built so far?

I hope you're staying warm this week. Today I want to talk about something that many homeowners don't check in on as often as they should.

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

How much equity are you sitting on right now?

If you've owned your home for a while, you may have built up more equity than you realize. Every mortgage payment you make chips away at what you owe, and if your home's value has appreciated, that's equity too. Knowing your equity matters because it can open doors—whether you're thinking about refinancing, tapping into a home equity line of credit, or just curious about your net worth. The best part is, equity building happens whether you're paying attention or not. If you haven't checked in on this lately, now's a good time. I can help you get a clear picture of where you stand and what your options might be.

Let's talk about your equity and what it could mean for your financial picture.

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 Angie Keene team any time and we'll walk you through your options.

Your Mortgage Advisor

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Angie Keene

Angie Keene

akeene@barrettfinancial.com

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