Your home may be your biggest source of usable cash — but tapping it wisely takes knowing your options.
These videos explain how much equity you can actually access, the real difference between a HELOC, a home equity loan, and a cash-out refinance, and the smart (and risky) ways to put that equity to work.
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Equity is your home’s value minus what you owe — but you can’t borrow all of it.
Most lenders let you access up to a percentage of your home’s value across all loans combined, keeping a cushion in place. So the real number depends on your home’s current value, your remaining balance, and the product you choose.
These videos show you how to estimate it — and what actually moves the figure.
Three ways to tap equity, three different personalities.
A HELOC otherwise known as a Home Equity Line of Credit is a revolving line — draw what you need, when you need it, pay interest only on what you use; great for ongoing or uncertain costs.
A HELOAN, or Home Equity Loan is a lump sum at a fixed rate — predictable, good for a known one-time expense. It’s also a second mortgage so it doesn’t affect the terms of your current first loan.
A Cash-Out Refinance replaces your whole mortgage with a bigger one and hands you the difference in cash— often best when you also want to change your first mortgage’s rate or term.
Picking wrong can cost you flexibility or money; picking right is the point of these videos.
Using equity to renovate, consolidate high-interest debt, or fund the down payment on an investment property can be a powerful move.
Using it to cover everyday overspending, vacations or to purchase luxury or high ticket items is how people get underwater.
One thing that most homeowners don’t know: investors can often tap equity on rental properties too — a DSCR HELOC lets you pull cash from an investment property to fund the next deal.
These videos cover the whole spectrum, owner-occupied and investor alike.
Want to know your number? Take Mortgage Match and we’ll show you your options.
We cover all your basis when it comes to tapping equity from your home.
Typically up to a set percentage of your home’s value minus what you owe. The exact amount depends on your value, balance, credit, and product.Typically up to a set percentage of your home’s value minus what you owe. The exact amount depends on your value, balance, credit, and product.
A HELOC is a revolving line with a variable rate (flexible, draw as needed); a home equity loan is a fixed lump sum (predictable). We help you match the tool to the job.
Often yes — including [DSCR-based options](/dscr-heloc/) that qualify on the property’s income rather than your personal income. It’s a favorite move for investors scaling a portfolio.
Opening one adds a new account and can cause a small temporary dip, but responsible use generally helps over time. We cover how to use it without hurting your score.
Sometimes — often when funds are used to buy, build, or substantially improve the home. Tax rules vary, so confirm with a tax professional. (We’re not tax advisors.)
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