Kearns Mortgage Team, NMLS #2177472 · August 1, 2026

How much equity have you built?

 

Saturday, August 1, 2026

A Note From Ryan Kearns

Most of what's in here is the news everyone's reading. Rates, headlines, the same stories making the rounds. The headlines are one thing. What they mean for you is another, and that's where I come in. If something below catches your eye, or nothing has and you're just wondering where you stand, call me. That's what I'm here for. — Ryan

Mortgage Market Update

How much equity have you built?

Hi there. With spring market activity picking up, I'm thinking about equity—and why it matters more than you might realize.

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.

Check My Rate →

Equity Building

You might have more equity than you think

Every mortgage payment you make builds equity—that's the portion of your home's value you actually own. But equity grows in two ways: as you pay down your loan balance, and when your home's value appreciates. If you haven't checked your home's current market value in a while, you could be surprised. Rising equity opens doors—it can support a refinance, a home equity loan for repairs or renovations, or even a future move. I find a lot of homeowners underestimate what they've built up. Even if rates aren't attractive for refinancing today, knowing your equity position helps you plan ahead and make smarter financial decisions about your home. Let's talk about where you stand.

Reach out and I can give you a quick estimate of your home's equity and what options it might unlock for 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 Ryan Kearns team any time and we'll walk you through your options.

Book a Call

Your Mortgage Advisor

Ryan Kearns

Ryan Kearns

Kearns Mortgage Team, NMLS #2177472

ryan@kearnsmortgagteam.com

813-540-3319

f
ig
in
X

3903 Northdale Blvd., Suite 100E Tampa FL 33624

813-540-3319

Kearns Mortgage Team, NMLS #2177472  ·  Unsubscribe