Home equity & HELOC guides
Plain-English explainers on how home equity borrowing works — no jargon, no lead forms. Pair them with our free calculators to put real numbers behind the concepts.
How Does a HELOC Work?
→Draw period, repayment, rates and limits — explained simply.
What Is CLTV (Combined Loan-to-Value)?
→The ratio that decides how much you can borrow.
HELOC Requirements: Credit Score, Equity & Income
→Credit score, equity, DTI and income lenders look for.
Is a HELOC a Good Idea? Pros and Cons
→The real pros, cons and when a HELOC makes sense.
How to Get a HELOC: Step by Step
→The full process, from checking equity to drawing funds.
What Can You Use a HELOC For?
→Smart uses, risky uses, and the tax angle.
Free calculators
How Much HELOC Can I Get?
→See your borrowing power from home value minus your mortgage.
HELOC Calculator by State
→Estimate your HELOC with your state's typical home value.
HELOC Payment Calculator
→Interest-only draw payment vs. principal + interest repayment.
Home Equity Loan Calculator
→Fixed monthly payment on a lump-sum home equity loan.
Cash-Out Refinance Calculator
→New loan, new payment and cash out from a refinance.
Refinance Break-Even Calculator
→Months to recoup closing costs after a refinance.
HELOC vs. Home Equity Loan
→Side-by-side: revolving line vs. fixed lump sum.
HELOC vs. Cash-Out Refinance
→Side-by-side: second lien vs. replacing your mortgage.