Jennifer Tewell · August 19, 2026

What you should know about home equity

Mortgage Market Update

Jennifer Tewell

Jennifer Tewell

Wednesday, August 19, 2026

What you should know about home equity

Hi there. This week I'm breaking down something many homeowners overlook—and how it might help when unexpected expenses come up.

National Mortgage Rates · August 13, 2026

30-Year Fixed

6.67%

FHA 30-Year

6.47%

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.


Home Equity Basics

Your home's equity can be a financial tool

As you pay down your mortgage each month, you're building equity—that's the difference between what your home is worth and what you still owe. Many homeowners don't realize this equity can be tapped into when life happens: a major repair, education costs, or consolidating higher-interest debt. There are a few ways to access it, each with different terms and trade-offs. The key is understanding what makes sense for your situation before you need it. If you're curious about how much equity you might have or what your options could look like, I'd be happy to walk through the numbers with you.

Reach out if you'd like to talk about your home's equity and what it could mean for your finances.

Tip of the Week

Inspect your attic insulation. Proper insulation reduces heating and cooling costs and can prevent ice dams on your roof.

Tips for Homeowners

Fall Home Prep: Heating, Safety & Systems

1.

Have your heating system serviced before it's needed. A furnace failure in winter is an emergency — routine maintenance costs far less than emergency repairs.

2.

Test smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors and replace batteries. Carbon monoxide poisoning risk rises when heating systems run more frequently.

3.

Drain and shut off exterior faucets and sprinkler systems before the first freeze to prevent burst pipes — one of the most expensive and disruptive homeowner emergencies.

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

Your Mortgage Advisor

J

Jennifer Tewell

Jennifer Tewell

jennifer@tewellmortgage.com

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