Barrett Financial · August 1, 2026

How much equity have you actually built?

Mortgage Market Update

Megan Henderson

Barrett Financial

Saturday, August 1, 2026

How much equity have you actually built?

Welcome back. This week I want to remind you of something many homeowners overlook: the real progress you're making.

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 Building

You're building wealth faster than you think

Every mortgage payment you make does two things: it covers interest to your lender, and it builds equity in your home. That equity is real wealth—money you own outright. As time passes, more of each payment goes toward principal, which means you're accelerating your ownership stake. If you haven't checked your loan balance in a while, you might be surprised how much ground you've covered. Knowing your equity position also matters if you're thinking about refinancing, selling, or borrowing against your home down the road. I can pull a quick snapshot of where you stand and what your equity picture looks like.

Let's talk about your equity and what it could mean for your next move.

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 Megan Henderson team any time and we'll walk you through your options.

Your Mortgage Advisor

Megan Henderson

Megan Henderson

Barrett Financial

meganh@barrettfinancial.com

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