Aaron Perkins · August 1, 2026

You might have more equity than you think

Mortgage Market Update

Aaron Perkins

Saturday, August 1, 2026

You might have more equity than you think

Hi there—I wanted to share something that often surprises homeowners when we talk about their mortgage. Here's the topic this week:

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 Building

You might have more equity than you think

Every mortgage payment you make builds equity—that's the portion of your home's value you actually own. But equity grows in two ways: through your monthly payments *and* through home appreciation. If your home has increased in value since you bought it, you've already built equity without doing anything. This matters because equity can unlock real options down the road—whether that's refinancing into better terms, accessing funds for home improvements, or simply knowing you're building real wealth. The challenge is most homeowners don't know their current equity position because home values shift constantly and invisibly. It's worth taking a moment to get clear on where you stand.

I can help you estimate your equity and explore what options that opens up for you.

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 Aaron Perkins team any time and we'll walk you through your options.

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