Nina Carpenter · August 1, 2026

How much equity have you built?

Mortgage Market Update

Nina Rose

Nina Carpenter

Saturday, August 1, 2026

How much equity have you built?

Hello, This week I'm sharing something that often surprises homeowners—and it's usually good news.

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 built more equity than you think

If you bought or refinanced a few years ago, your home has likely appreciated—and that means you're sitting on equity you may not have realized. Equity is the difference between what your home is worth and what you still owe on your mortgage. The more equity you have, the more financial flexibility you gain. You can tap it for a cash-out refinance to fund renovations, consolidate debt, or cover major expenses. Or you can simply hold it as a cushion. The first step is getting a clear picture of where you stand. A quick home value estimate and a look at your loan balance will show you exactly what you're working with.

I'd be happy to walk you through what your equity looks like and what your options might be.

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 Nina Rose team any time and we'll walk you through your options.

Your Mortgage Advisor

N

Nina Rose

Nina Carpenter

nina@carpenterhomeloans.com

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