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Mortgage Market Update
Gaby Lockhart
Gaby Lockhart
Tuesday, October 20, 2026
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Do you know how much home equity you have? |
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One of the most overlooked financial tools homeowners have is the value they've built in their property. Let me explain what that means and why it matters.
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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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Home Equity
What your home's value means for your money
If you've owned your home for a while, you've likely built equity—the difference between what your home is worth and what you still owe. That equity can be a real financial resource. Some homeowners use it to fund home improvements, pay off other debts, or handle unexpected expenses. Others tap it to finance major life goals. The point is: understanding what you have available gives you options. You don't have to use it, but knowing it's there is worth discussing. I can help you figure out roughly how much equity you may have and what borrowing against it might look like—no pressure, just clarity. Let's talk about what your equity could do for you.
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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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