Katy Betcher · September 3, 2026

What your home equity can do for you

Mortgage Market Update

KATY BETCHER

Katy Betcher

Thursday, September 3, 2026

What your home equity can do for you

One of the smartest parts of homeownership happens quietly in the background—your equity growing with every payment you make. Let me walk you through why it matters and when to pay attention to it.

National Mortgage Rates · August 27, 2026

30-Year Fixed

6.66%

FHA 30-Year

6.56%

VA 30-Year

6.40%

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

Your home is working for you—here's how

One of the best parts of owning a home is that every mortgage payment builds equity—money that belongs to you. The longer you own, the more equity you accumulate, and that opens doors: you can borrow against it for renovations, pay down debt, or access funds for life's big moments. The tricky part is knowing what you actually have available without a clear picture of your home's current value and what you still owe. If you haven't checked in on your equity position in a while, it might be worth a conversation. The market changes, your paydown adds up, and your options could be better than you think.

Let's take a quick look at what your equity position is today and what it might mean for your goals.

Tip of the Week

Schedule a plumber to inspect older homes for slow leaks — water damage is expensive and often hidden until it's serious.

Tips for Homeowners

Jumbo Loans: What They Are and How They Work

1.

A jumbo loan exceeds the conforming loan limit set by the FHFA — $766,550 in most areas for 2024, higher in designated high-cost markets. These loans can't be sold to Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac.

2.

Jumbo loans typically require stronger credit (often 700+), larger down payments (10–20%), and more cash reserves. Underwriting is more thorough and can take longer.

3.

Rates on jumbo loans are sometimes comparable to or even lower than conforming rates, depending on market conditions. Don't assume a jumbo loan means a worse deal — shop lenders.

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

Your Mortgage Advisor

K

KATY BETCHER

Katy Betcher

katy@barrettfinancial.com

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