Craig Heitz · August 1, 2026

Do you know how much equity you've built?

Mortgage Market Update

Craig Heitz

Craig Heitz

Saturday, August 1, 2026

Do you know how much equity you've built?

Hi there. As we head into the new year, I'm thinking about the borrowers I work with and how much has changed in their homes and finances since we last spoke.

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

What's your home actually worth to you right now?

If you bought a few years ago, you've likely built meaningful equity in your home—the difference between what your house is worth today and what you still owe on your mortgage. That equity isn't just a number on paper. It's real financial flexibility you can tap into if life changes: a home renovation, unexpected expense, or a major goal you want to fund. The tricky part is knowing how much equity you actually have, since home values shift and your loan balance falls with each payment. I help borrowers understand their equity position and what options it unlocks—whether that's a cash-out refinance, a HELOC, or simply knowing you're in a stronger financial spot than you realize. If you haven't thought about your equity in a while, I'd love to walk through it with you.

Let's talk about what your equity means for your financial future.

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 Craig Heitz team any time and we'll walk you through your options.

Your Mortgage Advisor

C

Craig Heitz

Craig Heitz

cheitz@power-lending.com

You are receiving this from Craig Heitz.  Unsubscribe