Christopher Robert Austin · August 19, 2026

Do you know what equity you have?

Mortgage Market Update

Christopher Austin

Christopher Robert Austin

Wednesday, August 19, 2026

Do you know what equity you have?

Hi there—this week I want to talk about something a lot of homeowners sit on without really thinking about: the equity they've already built.

National Mortgage Rates · August 13, 2026

30-Year Fixed

6.67%

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 Talk

What your home's equity can actually do for you

If you've been in your home a few years, or bought when prices were lower, you likely have equity built up. That's real financial flexibility—but it only works if you know your options. Some of you might benefit from tapping that equity for home improvements, debt consolidation, or life goals. Others might be better off leaving it alone. The right move depends entirely on your situation: your timeline, your goals, how stable your income is, and what rates look like when you're ready to act.

I talk to homeowners all the time who don't realize what's possible, or who move too fast without thinking it through. Let's sit down and look at the real numbers for your home and see what makes sense. No pressure—just clarity.

Reach out if you'd like to talk through whether your equity is working for you.

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 Christopher Austin team any time and we'll walk you through your options.

Your Mortgage Advisor

C

Christopher Austin

Christopher Robert Austin

chris.austin@onerealmortgage.com

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