Lenni Oh · August 1, 2026

How much equity have you actually built?

Mortgage Market Update

Lenni Oh

Lenni Oh

Saturday, August 1, 2026

How much equity have you actually built?

Hi there—this week I want to talk about something I see homeowners overlook all the time: their own equity. Here's why it matters.

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

Do you know how much equity you've built?

Your home's equity is one of your most valuable financial assets, but a lot of homeowners don't stop to check it. Equity is the difference between what your home is worth today and what you still owe on your mortgage. The more equity you have, the more options open up—whether that's refinancing, tapping into a home equity line of credit, or simply understanding your net worth better.

If you've owned your home for a few years, you've likely built more equity than you realize through regular payments. Market changes in your area can also affect your home's value. I'd love to help you get a clear picture of where you stand. It's easy to do, and knowing your equity can help guide smarter money decisions down the road.

Let's pull a quick equity estimate for your home—just reach out and we can chat through your options.

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 Lenni Oh team any time and we'll walk you through your options.

Your Mortgage Advisor

L

Lenni Oh

Lenni Oh

lenni.oh@streethomelending.com

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