 WTOP's Money News here now, brought to you by MFED. Great rates for everyone. Jeff Klebel. If you're a long-term homeowner, you may be sitting on quite a cushion. The reluctance of owners to sell has increased the number of years owners are staying. Port home equity rose to a record $17 trillion last quarter. In just one year, homeowners have gained an average $28,000 in equity.