Kate Kippenberger — Kate Kippenberger · August 1, 2026

How much equity have you actually built?

Mortgage Market Update

My Mortgage Company

Kate Kippenberger — Kate Kippenberger

Saturday, August 1, 2026

How much equity have you actually built?

Hi there. This week I want to shine a light on something I think gets overlooked: the equity sitting in your home right now.

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

You might have more equity than you think

Every mortgage payment you make builds equity—the portion of your home you actually own. If your home's value has risen since you bought it, that's equity too. The combination of both matters, especially if you're thinking about refinancing, a home equity line of credit, or even selling down the road.

I often find that homeowners underestimate how much equity they've accumulated over a few years of payments and modest appreciation. It's worth a quick conversation to find out where you stand. Knowing your real equity position helps you make smarter decisions about your next financial move, whether that's tapping into that equity or simply understanding your financial flexibility.

Let's pull your equity snapshot together—reach out this week and we can talk through what it means for 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 My Mortgage Company team any time and we'll walk you through your options.

Your Mortgage Advisor

M

My Mortgage Company

Kate Kippenberger — Kate Kippenberger

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