Scott Smith · August 19, 2026

How much equity have you built so far?

Mortgage Market Update

Scott Smith

Scott Smith

Wednesday, August 19, 2026

How much equity have you built so far?

Hi everyone—this week I want to remind you of something powerful that's probably happening right now with your mortgage. Your home is quietly building wealth for you.

National Mortgage Rates · August 13, 2026

30-Year Fixed

6.67%

FHA 30-Year

6.47%

VA 30-Year

6.33%

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

Your home is working for you every month

Every mortgage payment you make builds equity—the difference between what your home is worth and what you owe. Early on, most of your payment goes to interest, but over time that balance shifts and more goes toward principal. This is one of the most underrated benefits of homeownership. Some of you might not realize how much equity you've already built, especially if you've been in your home for several years or made extra payments along the way. Knowing your equity position matters because it can open doors—whether you're thinking about refinancing, borrowing against it for repairs or education, or simply understanding your net worth. If you haven't checked your equity position lately, I'd love to walk through it with you.

Let's review your equity and talk about what options might make sense for your situation.

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 Scott Smith team any time and we'll walk you through your options.

Your Mortgage Advisor

S

Scott Smith

Scott Smith

scott.smith@onerealmortgage.com

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