Barrett Financial · August 19, 2026

Your home's value just went up—now what?

Mortgage Market Update

Megan Henderson

Barrett Financial

Wednesday, August 19, 2026

Your home's value just went up—now what?

Home values have been moving, and if you've owned your place for a few years, there's a good chance you have more equity than you realize. Here's what that means for you.

National Mortgage Rates · August 13, 2026

30-Year Fixed

6.67%

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 Strategy

What to do when your home is worth more

If your home has appreciated since you bought it, you're sitting on something valuable. That equity can work for you in several ways—whether you need cash for a big expense, want to consolidate debt, or are planning a home improvement. The options available to you depend on your equity position, your credit, and what you need the money for. Some borrowers tap into equity through a cash-out refinance, others through a home equity line of credit. Each has different terms and trade-offs. The key is understanding which route makes sense for your situation before you move forward.

If you'd like to explore how much of your equity you could access and what it might look like, let's talk.

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 Megan Henderson team any time and we'll walk you through your options.

Your Mortgage Advisor

Megan Henderson

Megan Henderson

Barrett Financial

meganh@barrettfinancial.com

You are receiving this from Barrett Financial.  Unsubscribe