Edge Home Finance · August 1, 2026

Do you know how much equity you've built?

Mortgage Market Update

Megan Bissell

Edge Home Finance

Saturday, August 1, 2026

Do you know how much equity you've built?

Hi there. This week I'm talking about something a lot of homeowners overlook—the wealth they're quietly building in their home.

National Mortgage Rates · July 30, 2026

30-Year Fixed

6.66%

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 been a homeowner for a while, your home has likely gained value—and you've been building equity with every mortgage payment. That equity can be a financial tool: it opens doors to refinancing, home equity loans, or cash-out options if life circumstances change. The problem is, most homeowners never actually calculate it. You don't need a professional appraisal to get a ballpark idea. A simple online search of your home's current value, minus what you still owe on your mortgage, tells you what you're working with. Understanding this number helps you make smarter decisions down the road, whether that's about staying put, upgrading, or tapping into your home as a financial resource. If you'd like to sit down and talk through what your equity means for your options, I'm here to help.

Reach out anytime—I'm happy to walk you through where you stand and what it could mean for your future.

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 Megan Bissell team any time and we'll walk you through your options.

Signature

Your Mortgage Advisor

M

Megan Bissell

Edge Home Finance

megan@mortgagebymegan.com

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