Sara Getchell · September 2, 2026

Building equity? Here's what you can do with it

Mortgage Market Update

Sara Getchell

Sara Getchell

Wednesday, September 2, 2026

Building equity? Here's what you can do with it

Hi — I hope you're doing well. This week I want to cover something that comes up a lot with homeowners who've been building equity over time.

National Mortgage Rates · August 27, 2026

30-Year Fixed

6.66%

FHA 30-Year

6.55%

VA 30-Year

6.38%

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 & Cash-Out

How to tap your home's equity without starting over

If you've built equity in your home over time, you have options that don't require selling or refinancing into a brand-new 30-year loan. A cash-out refinance lets you borrow against that equity, but so do home equity lines and loans — each with different terms, rates, and payment structures. The right choice depends on how much you need, how you plan to use it, and what works with your budget. Whether you're funding home improvements, consolidating debt, or covering a major expense, it's worth understanding which path makes the most sense for your situation. I'm happy to walk you through how each works and what you might qualify for.

Let's talk about whether tapping your equity makes sense for you right now.

Tip of the Week

Your mortgage interest may be tax-deductible if you itemize. Check with your tax professional to see if it benefits you.

Tips for Homeowners

Understanding Mortgage Points

1.

One mortgage point equals 1% of your loan amount. Paying points ("buying down the rate") reduces your interest rate — typically 0.25% per point, though this varies by lender and market.

2.

Calculate your break-even: divide the cost of the points by your monthly savings. If it takes 4 years to break even and you plan to stay 10 years, buying points makes sense.

3.

Points paid on a home purchase are generally tax-deductible in the year paid (if you itemize). Points on a refinance must be deducted over the life of the loan.

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

Your Mortgage Advisor

S

Sara Getchell

Sara Getchell

Sara@whitecapmortgage.com

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