Home Equity
Find out what home equity is and how to use it, plus news, advice and tools on home equity loans and HELOCs.
Basics
Editor's Picks
Latest Articles
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Reasons not to tap your home equity
For one thing, you could lose your home if things go south.
10 min read Jan 22, 2024 -
Should you use a HELOC to buy property overseas?
It could be a shrewd strategy, but bear in mind the risks of tapping home equity.
10 min read Jan 19, 2024 -
Smart ways to use your home equity for remodeling
Should you use your home to enhance your home? It’s tricky, so learn before you leap.
11 min read Jan 16, 2024 -
Should you use home equity to pay holiday expenses?
It’s tempting, but think carefully about hocking the house to cover these seasonal costs.
4 min read Jan 10, 2024 -
What is negative equity? A guide to underwater mortgages
It’s when your home’s value sinks below the amount you owe on your mortgage.
6 min read Jan 09, 2024 -
How to unlock your home equity during financial turmoil
Some ways your home can cushion you when unexpected expenses arise.
5 min read Jan 05, 2024 -
Forecast: Big drops in HELOC rates, modest declines for home equity loans in 2024
Bankrate Chief Financial Analyst Greg McBride shares his take on what will happen to home equity rates in 2024.
2 min read Jan 02, 2024 -
Should you use a home equity loan to pay off an auto loan?
Probably not. Here are all the pros and cons to consider.
5 min read Dec 15, 2023 -
Home equity loan or HELOC vs. reverse mortgage: Which is right for you?
They all let you tap your ownership stake, but they differ significantly in a lot of ways.
12 min read Dec 14, 2023 -
Does a HELOC affect your credit score?
You bet — in ways both good and bad.Here’s how to judge its impact.
5 min read Dec 13, 2023