Matthew McGuire · August 1, 2026

How much equity have you actually built?

Mortgage Market Update

Matthew McGuire

Matthew McGuire

Saturday, August 1, 2026

How much equity have you actually built?

Every month, your mortgage payment builds equity—but most homeowners don't know how much. 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 Reality Check

How much home equity are you sitting on?

If you bought a few years ago, your home has likely appreciated—and that means you've built equity beyond just your monthly payments. Equity is real money. It can be tapped for home improvements, debt consolidation, education, or other major expenses through a home equity loan or line of credit. The catch: you won't know what you have unless you take a hard look at your home's current value versus what you still owe. Even if you're not ready to borrow against it now, knowing your equity position helps you make smarter financial decisions down the road. I'd be happy to help you run the numbers and explore your options.

Reach out if you'd like to discuss your equity and what it might mean for your situation.

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 Matthew McGuire team any time and we'll walk you through your options.

Your Mortgage Advisor

M

Matthew McGuire

Matthew McGuire

matt@kotimortgage.com

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