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

Building home equity is a smart financial move. Here’s how to do it.

How to estimate your ownership stake, and how much of it you can borrow.

It’s the portion of your home you own outright. Its uses are almost endless.

If you want to borrow from your homeownership stake, these are the factors lenders will judge you on.

Refinancing a home equity loan

There are good reasons to refinance your home equity loan, but there are risks too.

5 min read Jun 19, 2023
Where to get a home equity loan

More lenders are offering them, but do you know how to compare offers?

3 min read Jun 14, 2023
Should I use a home equity loan to buy a car?

It’s not so much whether you can, but if you should.

5 min read Jun 01, 2023
Should you use a home equity loan for debt consolidation?

It can be a smart strategy, provided you understand what you’re risking.

9 min read May 22, 2023
Does a HELOC affect your credit score?

A HELOC has different effects on your credit during all stages of the loan.

5 min read May 19, 2023
Home equity loan or HELOC vs cash-out mortgage refinance

Knowing the differences among equity loans will help you make the right choice.

7 min read May 12, 2023
10 ways to get the best HELOC rate

What to watch for to get a top offer on a home equity line of credit.

8 min read May 11, 2023
5 things to know before you tackle an expensive backyard makeover

You don’t need to spend a fortune to create a great outdoor space.

7 min read Mar 16, 2023
The housing gender gap: Why women still face roadblocks in homeownership, home equity and home values

More single women than men own homes. But they pay more and get less out of them.

8 min read Feb 20, 2023
What is negative equity?

It’s when your home’s value sinks below the amount you owe on your mortgage.

5 min read Jan 09, 2023