Mortgage Market Update

Egan O'Brien

Wednesday, August 19, 2026

What can you do with your home equity?

I'm noticing a lot of homeowners sitting on more equity than they realize. This week, I want to talk about what that actually means for you and your financial goals.

National Mortgage Rates · August 13, 2026

30-Year Fixed

6.67%

FHA 30-Year

6.47%

VA 30-Year

6.33%

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 Access

Your home equity can work harder for you

If you've been a homeowner for a few years, there's a good chance you've built meaningful equity—the difference between what your home is worth and what you owe. That equity isn't just a number on paper. It's real financial flexibility you can tap into when you need it for home repairs, debt consolidation, education, or other goals. A home equity line of credit or cash-out refinance are two common ways to access it without having to sell. The right option depends on your situation, timeline, and how rates and terms line up for you right now.

If you'd like to explore whether tapping your equity makes sense, I'm here to walk through your options.

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 Egan O'Brien team any time and we'll walk you through your options.

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