Caitlin Garner · August 20, 2026

What's your home actually worth to you right now?

Mortgage Market Update

Caitlin Garner

Caitlin Garner

Thursday, August 20, 2026

What's your home actually worth to you right now?

Hi there. This week I want to talk about something that's quietly working in your favor every single month.

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.


Equity Building

Your home is working for you every month

Every mortgage payment you make builds equity — you're paying down principal while your home itself may be appreciating. That's a powerful combination. Understanding your equity matters because it opens doors: you can tap it for major expenses, use it to eliminate PMI if you're close to 20% down, or leverage it when you're ready to buy again. The longer you stay in your home and the more principal you pay off, the stronger your financial position becomes. I'd love to run the numbers on your situation and show you exactly where your equity stands today.

Reach out and let's talk about what your equity means for your next move.

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 Caitlin Garner team any time and we'll walk you through your options.

Your Mortgage Advisor

C

Caitlin Garner

Caitlin Garner

caitlin.garner@onerealmortgage.com

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