Alicia Kirby · October 20, 2026

You probably have more equity than you realize

Mortgage Market Update

Alicia Kirby

Tuesday, October 20, 2026

You probably have more equity than you realize

One of the best-kept secrets of homeownership is how quietly your wealth builds. If you haven't thought about your equity in a while, today's a good time to check in.

National Mortgage Rates · October 16, 2026

Conventional 30-Year

7.28%

FHA 30-Year

7.13%

VA 30-Year

6.93%

Rate trend

Source: Optimal Blue daily mortgage indices via FRED

Rates shown are national mortgage index rates 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

Your home is probably worth more than your loan

Every mortgage payment you make builds equity—the difference between what your home is worth and what you still owe. Over time, as you pay down the loan and your home's value holds steady or grows, that equity grows too. It's one of the most underrated advantages of homeownership. Understanding how much equity you have matters because it opens doors: you may be able to tap into it for home improvements, education, or other goals without leaving your current mortgage. The first step is a simple conversation about where you stand. I can help you get clear on your equity position and explore what options might make sense for your situation.

Reach out if you'd like a quick equity review—no obligation.

Tip of the Week

Your loan officer can run a credit simulator to show exactly which actions will move your score the most.

Tips for Homeowners

Year-End Tax & Mortgage Planning

1.

Consider making your January mortgage payment in December to get an extra month of deductible interest in the current tax year (consult your tax advisor first).

2.

If you plan to sell next year, now is a good time to document improvements — receipts and records add to your cost basis and reduce taxable capital gain at sale.

3.

Review your W-4 withholding if you bought a home this year — your mortgage interest deduction may mean you're having too much withheld from each paycheck.

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

You are receiving this from Alicia Kirby.  Unsubscribe