How homeowners turn equity into cash.
Key players
Alphabetical
AvenHome-equity line used like a card. Not a mortgage refi shop.
Bank of AmericaBank HELOC and home equity loan, plus first-mortgage refinance.
Better.comDigital mortgage refi, with home-equity products alongside.
CitizensRegional-bank HELOC, home equity loan, and mortgage refinance.
FigureDigital HELOC. Fixed rate on the draw. Built for speed.
PointHome equity investment, plus a HELOC originated with Figure.
RocketCash-out refinance, HELOC, and home equity loan under one brand.
Wells FargoBank HELOC, home equity loan, and mortgage refinance.Guides
How the structures work. No applications. No rate quotes.
- How to calculate home equityValue minus every dollar secured by the house. That is the stake. It is not the amount you can take.
- How much equity can you borrowTappable equity is what is left after the lender keeps a cushion. It is smaller than the stake.
- Cash-out refinanceA new, larger first mortgage. The old loan is paid off. The difference is wired to you.
- Home equity loanA closed-end second mortgage. One wire. Fixed payments. The first mortgage stays.
- HELOCA revolving second lien. Interest only on what you draw. The rate usually moves.
- HELOC vs home equity loan vs cash-outThree ways to borrow. Only one of them touches the first mortgage.
- What is a second lienA recorded claim that gets paid after the first mortgage and before you.
- Home equity investmentCash now. No monthly payment. A share of the future value later.
- Sale-leasebackYou sell the house, get the equity, and rent it back. Title leaves.
- Reverse mortgage (HECM)Age 62 and older. No required monthly principal-and-interest payment. The balance grows.
- Bridge loans and ADUsOne solves a timing gap. The other tries to create equity and rent.
Get your appraisal and home equity calculation
An automated value, not an appraisal. Add a mortgage statement if you want equity, which is value minus the balance on the statement.
Home value
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Mortgage balance from statement
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Home equity
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No statement yet, so this panel stops at value.