Egan O'Brien · August 20, 2026

What can you do with your home equity?

Mortgage Market Update

Egan O'Brien

Thursday, August 20, 2026

What can you do with your home equity?

I'm noticing a lot of homeowners sitting on more equity than they realize. This week, I want to talk about what that actually means for you and your financial goals.

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 Access

Your home equity can work harder for you

If you've been a homeowner for a few years, there's a good chance you've built meaningful equity—the difference between what your home is worth and what you owe. That equity isn't just a number on paper. It's real financial flexibility you can tap into when you need it for home repairs, debt consolidation, education, or other goals. A home equity line of credit or cash-out refinance are two common ways to access it without having to sell. The right option depends on your situation, timeline, and how rates and terms line up for you right now.

If you'd like to explore whether tapping your equity makes sense, I'm here to walk through your options.

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 Egan O'Brien team any time and we'll walk you through your options.

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