Robert Clements · September 17, 2026

How much equity do you actually have?

Mortgage Market Update

Robert Clements

Robert Clements

Thursday, September 17, 2026

How much equity do you actually have?

Every week, I share what's happening in the mortgage world and how it touches your life as a homeowner or buyer. This week, let's talk about one of homeownership's hidden superpowers.

National Mortgage Rates · September 10, 2026

Conventional 30-Year

6.76%

FHA 30-Year

6.82%

VA 30-Year

6.71%

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 working for you

One of the biggest financial advantages of homeownership is equity—the difference between what your home is worth and what you owe on your mortgage. As you make each monthly payment, you're building that equity, which means you're literally creating wealth. This matters because equity can become a real resource down the road: you might tap into it through a refinance, a home equity line, or simply have more financial security built into your largest asset. The sooner you own your home, the sooner you can use that equity if life calls for it. If you're curious about how much equity you might have right now, or how your current loan is working toward building it, I'd love to walk you through the numbers.

Let's talk about your equity and what options it might open up for you.

Tip of the Week

Replace weatherstripping around exterior doors every few years. It's one of the cheapest ways to improve energy efficiency.

Tips for Homeowners

USDA Loans: A Zero-Down Option for Rural Buyers

1.

USDA loans offer 100% financing (no down payment) for eligible properties in USDA-designated rural and suburban areas. The USDA's eligibility map may include areas closer to cities than you'd expect.

2.

USDA loans have income limits — typically 115% of the area median income. Both the property location and borrower income must qualify.

3.

There's an upfront guarantee fee (1% of the loan) and an annual fee (0.35% of the balance). These are lower than FHA mortgage insurance and can be rolled into the loan.

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

Your Mortgage Advisor

R

Robert Clements

Robert Clements

robert.clements@onerealmortgage.com

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