Thomas Malinoski · August 20, 2026

Do you know how much equity you have?

Mortgage Market Update

Thomas Malinoski

Thomas Malinoski

Thursday, August 20, 2026

Do you know how much equity you have?

Hi there. This week I want to touch on something that affects more borrowers than you might expect—and it often works in your favor.

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 Check

Your home may have built more equity than you think

If you bought a few years ago or made extra payments on your mortgage, you likely have more equity than your loan balance suggests. Equity is the difference between what your home is worth and what you still owe—and it can open doors. Whether you're thinking about refinancing, making a large purchase, or just want to understand your financial picture better, knowing your equity is important. Home values have shifted in recent years, so what you think your equity is may not match reality. I'd be happy to walk you through a quick equity check and talk through what options might make sense for your situation.

Let's talk about what your equity means for you—reach out anytime.

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 Thomas Malinoski team any time and we'll walk you through your options.

Your Mortgage Advisor

T

Thomas Malinoski

Thomas Malinoski

thomas.malinoski@onerealmortgage.com

You are receiving this from Thomas Malinoski.  Unsubscribe