Connie Carlson · September 13, 2026

How much equity do you have in your home?

Mortgage Market Update

Connie Carlson

Connie Carlson

Sunday, September 13, 2026

How much equity do you have in your home?

Hi there—this week I'm talking about something that builds quietly in the background but can open real doors for homeowners: home equity.

National Mortgage Rates · September 10, 2026

Conventional 30-Year

6.76%

FHA 30-Year

6.67%

VA 30-Year

6.46%

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 Check

Your home might be worth more than you think

If you've owned your home for a few years, chances are you've built up equity—the difference between what your home is worth today and what you still owe on your mortgage. That equity can be a powerful financial tool. Some homeowners use it to fund home improvements, pay down debt, or cover major expenses through a cash-out refinance or home equity loan. Others simply feel good knowing they own more of their home each month. The best part? You don't have to do anything to build it—it happens naturally as you make payments and as your home's value changes. If you're curious about how much equity you might have, or whether tapping into it makes sense for your situation, I'd love to walk you through the options.

Reach out and we can talk through what your equity position looks like and what it might mean for you.

Tip of the Week

Gift funds from family can be used toward a down payment on most loan types — your lender will need a simple gift letter.

Tips for Homeowners

VA Loans: Benefits Every Veteran Should Know

1.

VA loans require no down payment and no private mortgage insurance (PMI), making them one of the most powerful home-buying tools available to eligible veterans, active-duty service members, and surviving spouses.

2.

VA loans do require a funding fee (typically 1.25%–3.3% of the loan amount), which can be rolled into the loan. Veterans with a service-connected disability rating may be exempt from this fee.

3.

There's no VA loan limit for eligible borrowers with full entitlement — you can finance as much as a lender will approve. If you've had a prior VA loan, partial entitlement rules may apply.

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

Your Mortgage Advisor

C

Connie Carlson

Connie Carlson

connie.carlson@onerealmortgage.com

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