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Mortgage Market Update
Jessica Levine
Jessica Levine
Tuesday, October 20, 2026
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How much equity are you building right now? |
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Hi there. This week I want to talk about something that happens quietly in the background of homeownership: equity building.
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National Mortgage Rates · October 16, 2026
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Conventional 30-Year
7.28%
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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.
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Equity Building
What your mortgage payments are actually doing
Every payment you make builds equity in your home — the difference between what it's worth and what you still owe. Early on, most of that payment goes toward interest, not principal, which can feel discouraging. But over time, the balance flips. You're building real ownership stake with every check. This matters when you're thinking about refinancing, selling, or tapping into that equity later for a major expense. The sooner you understand how your specific loan works, the better decisions you can make down the road. I'd be happy to walk you through how your payments are building equity — reach out anytime.
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Tip of the Week
Your loan officer can run a credit simulator to show exactly which actions will move your score the most.
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Tips for Homeowners
Year-End Tax & Mortgage Planning
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1.
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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).
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2.
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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.
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3.
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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.
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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 Jessica Levine team any time and we'll walk you through your options. |
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