Mortgage Market Update

Aaron Kozikowski

Saturday, August 1, 2026

How much equity have you built?

Hi there—this week I want to walk you through something that quietly works in your favor: home equity. Most of my clients are surprised when they find out how much they've actually built up.

National Mortgage Rates · July 30, 2026

30-Year Fixed

6.66%

FHA 30-Year

6.43%

VA 30-Year

6.25%

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

You might have more home equity than you think

Every mortgage payment you make builds equity—that's the difference between what your home is worth and what you owe. As you pay down principal and your home's value potentially increases over time, that equity grows. Many homeowners don't realize how much they've actually accumulated, especially if they've been in their home for several years.

Your equity matters because it opens doors: you can borrow against it for renovations, pay off higher-interest debt, or even tap into it if your financial situation changes. If you're curious where you stand, I'd be happy to help you figure out what your home equity position looks like today and what options that might create for you.

Let's talk about your equity and what it means for your financial picture.

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 Aaron Kozikowski team any time and we'll walk you through your options.

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