John Schaff · August 27, 2026

Do you know how much equity you have?

Mortgage Market Update

My Mortgage Company

John Schaff

Thursday, August 27, 2026

Do you know how much equity you have?

Hi there. This week I want to touch on something a lot of homeowners overlook—the equity sitting in their home and what they can actually do with it.

National Mortgage Rates · August 20, 2026

30-Year Fixed

6.65%

FHA 30-Year

6.53%

VA 30-Year

6.32%

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

What your home equity can do for you

If you've owned your home for a few years, you likely have equity built up—the difference between what your home is worth and what you owe on your mortgage. That equity isn't just a number on paper; it can be a real financial tool. Depending on your situation, you might use it to fund a renovation, pay off high-interest debt, or cover a major expense. A few options exist—a home equity loan, a line of credit, or even a cash-out refinance—and each works differently. The right choice depends on your timeline, how much you need, and your comfort level with your payments. If you're curious whether tapping your equity makes sense for you, I'd love to walk through the numbers and see what options might work.

Let's talk about whether your equity could work harder for you.

Tip of the Week

Your mortgage interest may be tax-deductible if you itemize. Check with your tax professional to see if it benefits you.

Tips for Homeowners

Understanding Mortgage Points

1.

One mortgage point equals 1% of your loan amount. Paying points ("buying down the rate") reduces your interest rate — typically 0.25% per point, though this varies by lender and market.

2.

Calculate your break-even: divide the cost of the points by your monthly savings. If it takes 4 years to break even and you plan to stay 10 years, buying points makes sense.

3.

Points paid on a home purchase are generally tax-deductible in the year paid (if you itemize). Points on a refinance must be deducted over the life of the loan.

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

Your Mortgage Advisor

M

My Mortgage Company

John Schaff

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