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Mortgage Market Update
Carri Taylor
Carri Taylor
Thursday, September 24, 2026
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How much equity have you actually built? |
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Rising home values may have quietly grown your equity. Here's why that matters and how to put it to work.
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National Mortgage Rates · September 17, 2026
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Conventional 30-Year
6.95%
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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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Home Equity
You May Have More Home Equity Than You Think
Home values in most areas have climbed over the past few years, and that means many homeowners are sitting on more equity than they realize. Equity is simply the difference between what your home is worth and what you still owe — and it's one of the most useful financial tools you have. You can tap it to consolidate higher-interest debt, fund a renovation, or cover a big expense, often at a much lower rate than a credit card or personal loan. The first step is knowing your number. A quick review of your current balance and an updated value estimate tells us how much you have to work with and what options make sense. No pressure — just a clear picture of where you stand. Curious how much equity you've built? I'll put together a quick estimate for you.
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Tip of the Week
If you're self-employed, keeping clean financial records for two years makes mortgage qualification much smoother.
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Tips for Homeowners
Debt-to-Income Ratio: What Lenders Are Looking At
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1.
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Your debt-to-income ratio (DTI) compares your monthly debt payments to your gross monthly income. Most conventional loans require a DTI below 45%, with the best rates reserved for those under 36%.
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2.
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DTI has two parts: front-end (housing costs only ÷ income) and back-end (all debts ÷ income). Lenders focus on back-end DTI but both matter.
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3.
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Paying off installment loans or car loans before applying can meaningfully reduce your DTI. Even a small reduction can move you into a better rate tier or expand your purchase power.
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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 Carri Taylor team any time and we'll walk you through your options. |
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