Brian Simmons · September 12, 2026

How much equity are you sitting on right now?

Mortgage Market Update

Brian Simmons

Brian Simmons

Saturday, September 12, 2026

How much equity are you sitting on right now?

Hi there—this week I want to talk about something that builds quietly in the background of homeownership: equity.

National Mortgage Rates · September 10, 2026

Conventional 30-Year

6.76%

FHA 30-Year

6.67%

VA 30-Year

6.46%

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 Building

Your home is doing more work than you think

Every mortgage payment you make builds equity—that's the portion of your home's value you actually own. Over time, as you pay down your loan and your home potentially appreciates, that equity grows. What many homeowners don't realize is that equity can become a real financial tool when you need it. Whether you're facing unexpected costs, planning a renovation, or considering a major life change, having built-up equity gives you options that renters simply don't have. The longer you stay in your home and the more you pay toward principal, the stronger your financial position becomes. If you're curious about how much equity you've built or what options might be available to you, I'd love to walk through your situation.

Reach out if you'd like to talk about your equity and what it might mean for your goals.

Tip of the Week

Gift funds from family can be used toward a down payment on most loan types — your lender will need a simple gift letter.

Tips for Homeowners

VA Loans: Benefits Every Veteran Should Know

1.

VA loans require no down payment and no private mortgage insurance (PMI), making them one of the most powerful home-buying tools available to eligible veterans, active-duty service members, and surviving spouses.

2.

VA loans do require a funding fee (typically 1.25%–3.3% of the loan amount), which can be rolled into the loan. Veterans with a service-connected disability rating may be exempt from this fee.

3.

There's no VA loan limit for eligible borrowers with full entitlement — you can finance as much as a lender will approve. If you've had a prior VA loan, partial entitlement rules may apply.

Have questions about how any of this affects your mortgage or home purchase? We're here to help — reach out to the Brian Simmons team any time and we'll walk you through your options.

Your Mortgage Advisor

B

Brian Simmons

Brian Simmons

brian.simmons@onerealmortgage.com

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