Mortgage Market Update

Craig Oenes

Sunday, September 13, 2026

Do you know how much equity you have?

Hi there—this week I want to talk about something a lot of homeowners overlook: the equity they've already built. It can be a powerful financial tool if you know how to use it.

National Mortgage Rates · September 10, 2026

Conventional 30-Year

6.76%

FHA 30-Year

6.67%

VA 30-Year

6.46%

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

What your home equity can actually do for you

If you've been in your home for a few years, you likely have equity built up—the difference between what your home is worth and what you owe on your mortgage. A lot of people don't realize how useful that equity can be. Depending on your situation, you might tap into it to pay for a major repair, consolidate debt, fund education, or reinvest in your home. There are a few common ways to access it: a home equity loan, a line of credit, or a cash-out refinance. Each has different terms and costs, so what makes sense really depends on your timeline, how much you need, and your current loan situation. If you're curious whether you have equity and what your options might look like, I'd be happy to walk through the numbers with you—no pressure, just information.

Give me a call or send me a message and we can talk about what might work for your situation.

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 Craig Oenes team any time and we'll walk you through your options.

Your Mortgage Advisor

Craig Oenes

craig.oenes@onerealmortgage.com

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