Damara Cohn · October 22, 2026

How much equity do you have now?

Mortgage Market Update

Damara Cohn

Damara Cohn

Thursday, October 22, 2026

How much equity do you have now?

Hi there. This week I want to talk about something that happens quietly every month as you pay your mortgage—and why it matters.

National Mortgage Rates · October 20, 2026

Conventional 30-Year

7.33%

FHA 30-Year

7.13%

VA 30-Year

6.95%

Rate trend

Source: Optimal Blue daily mortgage indices via FRED

Rates shown are national mortgage index rates 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—the difference between what your home is worth and what you owe. Over time, this adds up to real wealth. Even early in your loan, a meaningful portion of each payment goes toward ownership rather than interest. The longer you stay in your home, the faster equity grows. Many homeowners don't realize how much they've built until they need it—for a home improvement, to refinance at better terms, or to access funds through a home equity line. If you've been in your home for a few years, there's a good chance you have more equity than you think. It's worth knowing what you've got.

Curious about your equity? Let's take a look together.

Tip of the Week

Test your sump pump before the rainy season by pouring water into the pit — a failed pump can lead to serious basement flooding.

Tips for Homeowners

Rate Lock Strategy: When and How Long to Lock

1.

A rate lock guarantees your interest rate for a set period — typically 30, 45, or 60 days. Longer locks cost more but protect you if the process takes longer than expected.

2.

Lock when you're under contract and confident the deal will close. Don't lock before you have a signed purchase agreement — you're paying for protection you may not need.

3.

If rates drop after you lock, ask your lender about a float-down option. Some lenders offer this for a fee, allowing you to take advantage of a lower rate if the market moves in your favor.

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

Your Mortgage Advisor

D

Damara Cohn

Damara Cohn

damara.cohn@onerealmortgage.com

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