Joseph Kelley · August 19, 2026

What can you do with your home's equity?

Mortgage Market Update

Joseph Kelley

Joseph Kelley

Wednesday, August 19, 2026

What can you do with your home's equity?

Here's something I find a lot of homeowners don't think about: the money you've already invested in your home might be accessible when you need it most. This week I want to cover what that means in practical terms.

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.

Check My Rate →

Equity & Access

Your equity can work for you

If you've been paying your mortgage for a few years, there's a good chance you've built up equity in your home — that's the difference between what your home is worth and what you still owe. The reason this matters is simple: that equity can be a financial tool. Whether you're thinking about a major home project, consolidating debt, or covering an unexpected expense, tapping into your equity through a cash-out refinance or home equity line of credit might be an option worth exploring. The right move depends on your situation, your timeline, and what rates and terms look like right now. I'd love to walk you through what's possible and whether it makes sense for you.

Let's talk about whether your equity could work harder for you.

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 Joseph Kelley team any time and we'll walk you through your options.

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Your Mortgage Advisor

J

Joseph Kelley

Joseph Kelley

jkelley@gbmortgagegroup.com

916-612-4294

916-612-4294  |  https://joethemortgagegiant.com

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