Joseph Kelley · August 20, 2026

What can you do with your home's equity?

Mortgage Market Update

Joseph Kelley

Joseph Kelley

Thursday, August 20, 2026

What can you do with your home's equity?

Here's something I find a lot of homeowners don't think about: the money you've already invested in your home might be accessible when you need it most. This week I want to cover what that means in practical terms.

National Mortgage Rates · August 13, 2026

30-Year Fixed

6.67%

FHA 30-Year

6.46%

VA 30-Year

6.36%

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 & Access

Your equity can work for you

If you've been paying your mortgage for a few years, there's a good chance you've built up equity in your home — that's the difference between what your home is worth and what you still owe. The reason this matters is simple: that equity can be a financial tool. Whether you're thinking about a major home project, consolidating debt, or covering an unexpected expense, tapping into your equity through a cash-out refinance or home equity line of credit might be an option worth exploring. The right move depends on your situation, your timeline, and what rates and terms look like right now. I'd love to walk you through what's possible and whether it makes sense for you.

Let's talk about whether your equity could work harder for you.

Tip of the Week

If your credit score is below 740, even small improvements before applying for a mortgage can save you thousands over the life of the loan.

Tips for Homeowners

Weatherproofing Your Home Before Winter

1.

Clean your chimney if you have a fireplace. The National Fire Protection Association recommends annual inspection and cleaning to prevent chimney fires.

2.

Check attic insulation and ventilation before winter. Inadequate insulation leads to heat loss, higher energy bills, and ice dams on the roof that can cause significant damage.

3.

Inspect weatherstripping on all exterior doors. A simple dollar-bill test works: close the door on a bill — if you can pull it out easily, your weatherstripping needs replacing.

Have questions about how any of this affects your mortgage or home purchase? We're here to help — reach out to the Joseph Kelley team any time and we'll walk you through your options.

Book a Call

Your Mortgage Advisor

J

Joseph Kelley

Joseph Kelley

jkelley@gbmortgagegroup.com

916-612-4294

916-612-4294  |  https://joethemortgagegiant.com

You are receiving this from Joseph Kelley.  Unsubscribe