John Hudson · August 20, 2026

Do you know how much equity you've built?

Mortgage Market Update

J. Aaron Kapp

John Hudson

Thursday, August 20, 2026

Do you know how much equity you've built?

Hi there. This week I'm walking through a topic that often gets overlooked: understanding the equity in your home and what it can do for you.

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 & Cash

How much home equity do you actually have?

If you've owned your home for a few years and made payments, there's a good chance you've built equity—the difference between what your home is worth and what you still owe. This matters because equity can be a financial resource. Some homeowners use it to fund major expenses, consolidate debt, or invest in their property. The first step is getting honest about your number: you'll need a current home value estimate and your remaining loan balance. Once you know what you have, we can talk about whether tapping into it makes sense for your situation. It's not right for everyone, but it's worth knowing what's available to you.

Let's sit down and figure out your equity position—I can walk you through the numbers.

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 J. Aaron Kapp team any time and we'll walk you through your options.

Your Mortgage Advisor

J

J. Aaron Kapp

John Hudson

jhudson@hmmtg.com

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