Dorian Gonzalez · August 1, 2026

How much equity have you built?

Mortgage Market Update

Dorian Gonzalez

Dorian Gonzalez

Saturday, August 1, 2026

How much equity have you built?

Hi there—hope your month is going well. I wanted to touch on something a lot of homeowners overlook.

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

Your home may be worth more than you think

If you bought your home a few years ago, there's a good chance you've built equity—sometimes more than you realize. As your home's value has likely grown and you've paid down your mortgage balance, that gap between what you owe and what your home is worth has widened. This equity can open doors: it might let you refinance into better terms, tap into funds for home improvements or other needs, or simply give you a stronger financial position. The tricky part is knowing what your home is actually worth today. Home values shift by neighborhood and market season, so a rough estimate from a few years ago probably isn't accurate anymore. If you're curious where you stand—whether you're thinking about a move, a refi, or just want to understand your wealth—let's talk. I can help you figure out what your equity position looks like and what options that might create for you.

Reach out if you'd like to explore what your home equity means for your next steps.

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 Dorian Gonzalez team any time and we'll walk you through your options.

Your Mortgage Advisor

D

Dorian Gonzalez

Dorian Gonzalez

dorian@barrettfinancial.com

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