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Mortgage Market Update
Gaby Lockhart
Gaby Lockhart
Tuesday, October 20, 2026
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Your home equity might be worth exploring |
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One of the best parts of homeownership is that every payment builds something real. Let me explain what that means and how it might help you reach your goals.
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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 & Borrowing
What your home equity can actually do for you
As you pay down your mortgage over time, you build equity—the difference between what your home is worth and what you still owe. That equity isn't just a number on paper. Depending on your situation, it can be a tool. Some homeowners use it to access funds for home improvements, education, or consolidating other debt. Others leave it alone and simply benefit from it as their loan balance shrinks. The right choice depends on your goals, your comfort level with borrowing, and your timeline. There's no one-size-fits-all answer, which is exactly why it's worth a conversation. I'm happy to walk you through what your options might look like based on where you stand today. Curious what your equity could mean for you? Let's talk through it.
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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 Gaby Lockhart team any time and we'll walk you through your options. |
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