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Mortgage Market Update
Megan Henderson
Barrett Financial
Thursday, August 20, 2026
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Your home's value just went up—now what? |
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Home values have been moving, and if you've owned your place for a few years, there's a good chance you have more equity than you realize. Here's what that means for you.
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National Mortgage Rates · August 13, 2026
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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.
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Equity Strategy
What to do when your home is worth more
If your home has appreciated since you bought it, you're sitting on something valuable. That equity can work for you in several ways—whether you need cash for a big expense, want to consolidate debt, or are planning a home improvement. The options available to you depend on your equity position, your credit, and what you need the money for. Some borrowers tap into equity through a cash-out refinance, others through a home equity line of credit. Each has different terms and trade-offs. The key is understanding which route makes sense for your situation before you move forward. If you'd like to explore how much of your equity you could access and what it might look like, let's talk.
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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.
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Tips for Homeowners
Weatherproofing Your Home Before Winter
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1.
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Clean your chimney if you have a fireplace. The National Fire Protection Association recommends annual inspection and cleaning to prevent chimney fires.
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2.
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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.
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3.
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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.
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Have questions about how any of this affects your mortgage or home purchase? We're here to help — reach out to the Megan Henderson team any time and we'll walk you through your options. |
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