Melissa Leon Diaz · August 1, 2026

Do you know how much equity you've built?

Mortgage Market Update

Melissa Leon Diaz

Melissa Leon Diaz

Saturday, August 1, 2026

Do you know how much equity you've built?

Hey there—I hope things are going well. This week I want to touch on something a lot of homeowners overlook until they really need it.

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

Your home might be worth more than you think

If you bought your home a few years ago, there's a good chance you've built more equity than you realize. Home values have shifted over time, and every mortgage payment chips away at what you owe. Knowing your equity matters—it opens doors to options like a cash-out refinance to fund repairs, pay off debt, or invest back into your home.

The catch is that equity only helps if you know you have it. A quick home valuation and a look at your loan balance can give you a clear picture. If you're curious whether a move makes sense for your situation, I'd love to walk through the numbers with you.

Reach out and let's talk about what your equity could do 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 Melissa Leon Diaz team any time and we'll walk you through your options.

Your Mortgage Advisor

Melissa Leon Diaz

Melissa Leon Diaz

Melissa Leon Diaz

melissa@homepluscapital.com

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