Todd Sevier · August 1, 2026

How much equity have you actually built?

Mortgage Market Update

Todd Sevier

Todd Sevier

Saturday, August 1, 2026

How much equity have you actually built?

Hi there. This week I want to talk about something that quietly works in your favor every single month.

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

You might have more equity than you think

If you've owned your home for a few years, you're probably building equity faster than you realize. Every mortgage payment chips away at what you owe, and if your home's value has held steady or grown, that's equity working in your favor too. This matters because equity opens doors—it can help you refinance, make improvements, or tap into funds for other goals. The tricky part is that most people don't actually know what they're sitting on. A quick conversation about your current balance and local market conditions can show you exactly where you stand. It's one of those things that's worth checking on at least once a year.

If you'd like to find out how much equity you have, I'm happy to walk through it with 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 Todd Sevier team any time and we'll walk you through your options.

Your Mortgage Advisor

T

Todd Sevier

Todd Sevier

todd@ottermortgage.com

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