Taylor Lacy · August 1, 2026

How much home equity do you actually have?

Mortgage Market Update

Taylor Lacy

Taylor Lacy

Saturday, August 1, 2026

How much home equity do you actually have?

Hi there. This week I want to talk about something a lot of homeowners overlook until they need it.

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?

If you've owned your home for a few years, there's a good chance you have more equity than you realize. Every mortgage payment builds it, and if your home's value has gone up since you bought, that's equity too. Knowing what you have matters because it opens doors—you might be able to tap into that equity for a major project, consolidate debt, or even refinance into better terms. The tricky part is that most people guess. I'd rather you know for certain. A quick conversation about your situation can help us figure out exactly where you stand and whether any of those options make sense for you.

Let's find out where your equity stands—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 Taylor Lacy team any time and we'll walk you through your options.

Your Mortgage Advisor

T

Taylor Lacy

Taylor Lacy

taylor@lacyloans.com

You are receiving this from Taylor Lacy.  Unsubscribe