Nicholas Akel — Nicholas Akel · August 1, 2026

How much equity have you actually built?

Mortgage Market Update

My Mortgage Company

Nicholas Akel — Nicholas Akel

Saturday, August 1, 2026

How much equity have you actually built?

Home ownership builds wealth quietly—one payment at a time. This week, let's talk about equity and why knowing yours 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 Building

Your home is working for you every month

Every mortgage payment you make builds equity—that's the difference between what your home is worth and what you owe on it. Early on, most of your payment goes toward interest, so the equity growth feels slow. But as time passes, more of each payment chips away at your principal balance, and your equity accelerates. If you've owned your home for a few years, you may have built more equity than you realize. That equity can be a financial tool: it could help you tap into funds for a major expense, pay off higher-interest debt, or even refinance into better loan terms. I'd recommend pulling your home's current value estimate and comparing it to your loan balance. Knowing your equity position is the first step to using it strategically.

If you'd like help calculating your equity or exploring what options it might unlock, I'm here to walk through it with you.

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

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My Mortgage Company

Nicholas Akel — Nicholas Akel

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