Clemens Mortgage Group, LLC · October 16, 2026

How much equity have you actually built?

Mortgage Market Update

Jennifer Clemens

Clemens Mortgage Group, LLC

Friday, October 16, 2026

How much equity have you actually built?

A Note From Jennifer Clemens

Happy Friday! 😎

Mortgage rates saw some pressure this week as markets reacted to ongoing global tensions and economic uncertainty. This afternoon, bond markets sold off after the Trump/Xi summit wrapped up with little progress toward easing concerns overseas, pushing Treasury yields to their highest levels since May 2025.

Temporary rate buy-downs continue to be a hot topic and help buyer's ease into their mortgage payment. Seller concessions, rate buy downs, bridge loans and strategy conversations can make a huge difference.

Also - We can now offer VantageScore options on certain loan programs in addition to traditional FICO scoring. This could be a game changer for some buyers and may even help save deals that previously may not have qualified. 🙌

If you need help running numbers or navigating a tricky scenario, I’m always just a text away!

Rising home values may have quietly grown your equity. Here's why that matters and how to put it to work.

National Mortgage Rates · October 16, 2026

Conventional 30-Year

7.28%

FHA 30-Year

7.13%

VA 30-Year

6.93%

Rate trend

Source: Optimal Blue daily mortgage indices via FRED

Rates shown are national mortgage index rates 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.

Check My Rate →

Home Equity

You May Have More Home Equity Than You Think

Home values in most areas have climbed over the past few years, and that means many homeowners are sitting on more equity than they realize. Equity is simply the difference between what your home is worth and what you still owe — and it's one of the most useful financial tools you have. You can tap it to consolidate higher-interest debt, fund a renovation, or cover a big expense, often at a much lower rate than a credit card or personal loan. The first step is knowing your number. A quick review of your current balance and an updated value estimate tells us how much you have to work with and what options make sense. No pressure — just a clear picture of where you stand.

Curious how much equity you've built? I'll put together a quick estimate for you.

Tip of the Week

Your loan officer can run a credit simulator to show exactly which actions will move your score the most.

Tips for Homeowners

Year-End Tax & Mortgage Planning

1.

Consider making your January mortgage payment in December to get an extra month of deductible interest in the current tax year (consult your tax advisor first).

2.

If you plan to sell next year, now is a good time to document improvements — receipts and records add to your cost basis and reduce taxable capital gain at sale.

3.

Review your W-4 withholding if you bought a home this year — your mortgage interest deduction may mean you're having too much withheld from each paycheck.

Have questions about how any of this affects your mortgage or home purchase? We're here to help — reach out to the Jennifer Clemens team any time and we'll walk you through your options.

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Jennifer Clemens

Jennifer Clemens

Clemens Mortgage Group, LLC

jennifer@clemensmortgagegroup.com

602-214-9048

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