Melanie Ross · August 19, 2026

How much equity are you building each month?

Mortgage Market Update

Melanie Ross

Melanie Ross

Wednesday, August 19, 2026

How much equity are you building each month?

Hi there. This week I'm focusing on something many homeowners overlook: the real power of their monthly mortgage payment.

National Mortgage Rates · August 13, 2026

30-Year Fixed

6.67%

FHA 30-Year

6.47%

VA 30-Year

6.33%

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 Building

What your mortgage payment is really doing

When you make a mortgage payment each month, two things happen: some of it goes toward interest, and some builds equity in your home. Early on, more goes to interest—that's normal. But as time passes, the balance shifts. You're building real ownership stake with every payment, especially if your home has gained value. Understanding this matters because equity becomes your financial tool down the road. You can tap it for home improvements, education, or other big expenses through a home equity loan or line of credit. The sooner you recognize you're building wealth, the sooner you can think strategically about using it.

If you're curious about how much equity you might have or how to use it, I'd love to walk through your situation.

Tip of the Week

Inspect your attic insulation. Proper insulation reduces heating and cooling costs and can prevent ice dams on your roof.

Tips for Homeowners

Fall Home Prep: Heating, Safety & Systems

1.

Have your heating system serviced before it's needed. A furnace failure in winter is an emergency — routine maintenance costs far less than emergency repairs.

2.

Test smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors and replace batteries. Carbon monoxide poisoning risk rises when heating systems run more frequently.

3.

Drain and shut off exterior faucets and sprinkler systems before the first freeze to prevent burst pipes — one of the most expensive and disruptive homeowner emergencies.

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

Your Mortgage Advisor

M

Melanie Ross

Melanie Ross

melanie.ross@onerealmortgage.com

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