Barrett Financial Group · August 1, 2026

How much equity have you built?

Mortgage Market Update

Brett Stratton

Barrett Financial Group

Saturday, August 1, 2026

How much equity have you built?

Hi there. This week I want to talk about something a lot of homeowners overlook until they really need to know it: equity. Here's why it matters.

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.

Check My Rate →

Equity Check

How much of your home do you actually own?

If you've been paying your mortgage for a few years, you've probably built up more equity than you realize. Every payment chips away at what you owe and adds to what you own. That equity can be useful—whether you're thinking about selling, refinancing, or tapping into it for a major expense down the road.

But here's the thing: most homeowners don't have a clear picture of their current equity position. Home values shift, and so does your loan balance. It's worth a quick conversation to figure out exactly where you stand. Knowing your equity opens up options you might not have considered.

Let's do a quick equity review—I can pull your numbers in minutes and show you what that means for your options.

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 Brett Stratton team any time and we'll walk you through your options.

Book a Call

Your Mortgage Advisor

B

Brett Stratton

Barrett Financial Group

bretts@barrettfinancial.com

+1 214-709-1484

2701 East Insight Way suite 150, Chandler, AZ 85286

+1 214-709-1484  |  https://brettstratton.theradcrm.com/homepage

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