Leave a Message

Thank you for your message. We will be in touch with you shortly.

Explore Our Properties

What’s Your House Worth Now? The Answer May Surprise You

The Gentry Team April 29, 2025

Let’s talk about something you might not check nearly as often as your bank account – and that’s how much your home is worth. But when it comes to your financial situation, it’s an important thing to remember. When’s the last time you had a professional show you the value of your home?
 
Think about it. For most people, your house is probably the biggest asset you have. And if you’ve owned your home for a few years (or longer), chances are it’s been quietly building wealth for you in the background. And honestly? You might be surprised by just how much.
 

What Is Home Equity?

This wealth you may not even realize you have comes in the form of home equity. Home equity is the difference between what your house is worth and what you still owe on your mortgage. It grows over time as home values rise and as you pay down your mortgage each month. Here’s an example to help you really understand how this works.
 
Let’s say your house is now worth $500,000, and you have $200,000 left to pay off on your loan. That means you have $300,000 in equity. And most homeowners are sitting on some pretty significant equity right now.
 
According to Cotality (formerly CoreLogic), the average homeowner with a mortgage has about $311,000 in equity.
 

Why You Probably Have More Than You Think

Here are the two main reasons homeowners like you have record amounts of equity right now:
 
1. Significant Home Price Growth. According to the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA), home prices have jumped by more than 57% nationwide over the last five years (see map below):
 
 
And if you purchased your home a few years ago (or more), this means your house is likely worth much more now than when you first bought it, thanks to how much prices have climbed lately.
 
2. People Are Living in Their Homes Longer. Data from the National Association of Realtors (NAR), shows the average homeowner stays in their home for about 10 years now (see graph below):
 
 
That’s longer than it used to be. And over that decade? You’ve built equity just by making your mortgage payments and riding the wave of rising home values.
 
So, if you’re one of those people who’s been in their home for that long, here’s how much the behind-the-scenes price growth has helped you out. According to NAR:
 
“Over the past decade, the typical homeowner has accumulated $201,600 in wealth solely from price appreciation.”
 

What Could You Actually Do with That Equity?

Remember, your house might be your biggest financial asset – and, if you’re smart about how you leverage your equity, it could open up some exciting opportunities for your future.
 

  • Use it to help buy your next home. Your equity could help you cover the down payment on your next home. In some cases, it might even mean you can buy your next house in all cash.

  • Renovate your current house to better suit your life now. And, if you’re strategic about your projects, they could add even more value to your home if you do sell later on.

  • Start the business you’ve always dreamed of. Your equity could be exactly what you need for startup costs, equipment, or marketing. And that could help increase your earning potential, so you’re getting yet another financial boost.

Bottom Line

Chances are, your house is worth a lot more than you realize. Whether you’re thinking about selling, upgrading, or simply want to understand your options, your equity isn’t just a number. It’s a tool.
 
If you sold your house and had significant equity to work with, what would you do with it? Let’s figure out how to turn your home’s value into your next big move.

Recent Blog Posts

Stay up to date on the latest real estate trends.

What’s Next for Home Prices and Mortgage Rates?

Here are what experts are saying about both prices and rates.

The Best Time To Sell Your House Is When Others Aren’t Selling

If you’re ready to sell now, beat the competition before it comes onto the market.

Why Buying or Selling a Home Helps the Economy and Your Community

You’re not just meeting your own needs, you’re also making a positive impact on the community.

What Everyone’s Getting Wrong About the Rise in New Home Inventory

You may have seen talk online that new home inventory is at its highest level since the crash.

History Shows the Housing Market Always Recovers

Every slowdown in the past has eventually given way to more activity, and this one will too.

Should You Still Expect a Bidding War?

If concerns about bidding wars have been holding you back, it may be time to take another look.

From Frenzy to Breathing Room: Buyers Finally Have Time Again

If you tried to buy a home a few years ago, you probably still remember the frenzy.

Condos Could Be a Win for Today’s Buyers

For first-time buyers, they can be a smart way to get into homeownership without stretching your budget.

More Contracts Are Falling Through. Here’s How To Get Ahead

When you sell a house, the last thing you want is for the deal to fall apart right before closing.

View All

Work With Real Locals

If working with a team that truly gives back to the community matters to you, we would make a great match. Reach out today to get started on buying or selling your home with a team that knows Moore County inside and out. With decades in the industry and an exceptional team of sales specialists, The Gentry Team has sold more homes than any other real estate firm in Moore County—and more than the total volume of most real estate companies in the region. This level of experience is unmatched, allowing us to help you sell your home for top value while anticipating and handling every detail along the way. We work collaboratively, combining our collective expertise to achieve the very best results for our clients. It is an approach built on trust, teamwork, and proven success. When you work with real locals, you get real results.

Contact Us
Get in Touch
Contact Details

THE GENTRY TEAM

(910) 295-7100

[email protected]



5 Chinquapin Rd
Pinehurst NC 28374