Lifestyle Lending · August 1, 2026

How much equity have you actually built?

Mortgage Market Update

Tyler Burns

Lifestyle Lending

Saturday, August 1, 2026

How much equity have you actually built?

Hi there — this week I want to help you see something about your home that you probably haven't looked at in a while. It could change how you think about your finances.

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 Check

How much home equity are you sitting on?

If you've owned your home for a few years, you likely have more equity built up than you realize. Every mortgage payment chips away at what you owe, and if your home's value has gone up in your area, that's even more equity in your pocket. Knowing your number matters because equity can unlock options — whether that's a cash-out refinance to cover a major expense, a home equity line of credit for emergencies, or simply understanding your net worth. The hard part? Most homeowners never actually run the numbers. I'd encourage you to take ten minutes this week to find out where you stand. It might surprise you, and it opens up conversations about what's actually possible for your financial goals.

Let's run a quick equity check on your home — I'm happy to walk you through what you have and what it could mean 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 Tyler Burns team any time and we'll walk you through your options.

Your Mortgage Advisor

T

Tyler Burns

Lifestyle Lending

info@lslending.com

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