Marc Hayes · August 20, 2026

Your home equity might be worth more than you think

Mortgage Market Update

Marc Hayes

Marc Hayes

Thursday, August 20, 2026

Your home equity might be worth more than you think

Hi there. This week I want to dig into something a lot of homeowners don't fully understand—and that's a missed opportunity.

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.


Home Equity

What your home equity actually means for you

If you've owned your home for a while, you probably have equity—the difference between what your home is worth and what you owe on your mortgage. But equity isn't just a number on paper. It's a financial tool you can tap into when you need it, whether that's for a major repair, debt payoff, or a big life goal. The more equity you've built, the more flexibility you have. I help homeowners understand what their equity is worth and what options make sense for their situation—from home equity loans to refinancing. If you're curious whether your equity could work for you, I'd love to walk you through it.

Let's talk about what your equity could do for your family.

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 Marc Hayes team any time and we'll walk you through your options.

Your Mortgage Advisor

M

Marc Hayes

Marc Hayes

marc.hayes@homesimply.com

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