Ken Janes · August 1, 2026

How much equity have you actually built?

Mortgage Market Update

Ken Janes

Ken Janes

Saturday, August 1, 2026

How much equity have you actually built?

Hey there—this week I'm thinking about equity, and why it's worth taking stock of what you've built in your home. Here's what homeowners should know.

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've owned your home for a few years, there's a good chance you've built up meaningful equity—whether through monthly payments, home appreciation, or both. That equity can be a powerful financial tool. Some homeowners use it to refinance into better terms, consolidate debt, or fund home improvements. Others tap into it through a home equity line of credit or loan when life happens. The first step is knowing what you actually have. Home values shift, and so do your circumstances. If it's been a while since you've looked at your equity position, it might be worth a conversation. I'm happy to walk you through what's realistic for your situation and what options might make sense.

Let's talk about your equity—reach out anytime.

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 Ken Janes team any time and we'll walk you through your options.

Your Mortgage Advisor

K

Ken Janes

Ken Janes

kenj@barrettfinancial.com

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