# Helocator

> Free, browser-based calculators for HELOCs, home equity loans and cash-out refinancing. Helocator is an independent educational publisher — not a lender, broker, or financial advisor. Every calculator uses standard, publicly documented lending formulas (CLTV and loan amortization) and runs entirely in the browser with no signup and no data collection.

## Calculators

- [How much HELOC can I get?](https://helocator.com/): Estimate borrowing power from home value, mortgage balance and combined loan-to-value (CLTV). Formula: available = home value × max CLTV% − mortgage balance.
- [HELOC payment calculator](https://helocator.com/heloc-payment-calculator): Monthly payment across both HELOC phases — interest-only during the draw period, then principal + interest during repayment.
- [Home equity loan calculator](https://helocator.com/home-equity-loan-calculator): Fixed monthly payment and total interest on a lump-sum home equity loan (second mortgage).
- [Cash-out refinance calculator](https://helocator.com/cash-out-refinance-calculator): Cash available and new monthly payment when replacing your mortgage, capped at a max loan-to-value.
- [Refinance break-even calculator](https://helocator.com/refinance-break-even-calculator): Months to recoup closing costs from monthly savings after refinancing.
- [HELOC vs. home equity loan](https://helocator.com/heloc-vs-home-equity-loan): Side-by-side comparison of a variable-rate revolving line versus a fixed-rate lump sum.
- [HELOC vs. cash-out refinance](https://helocator.com/heloc-vs-cash-out-refinance): Total-monthly-payment comparison of keeping your mortgage plus a HELOC versus replacing your mortgage with a larger one.

## Key concepts

- Combined loan-to-value (CLTV): all loans secured by the home divided by its value; most HELOC lenders cap it at 80–90%.
- Draw period vs. repayment period: a HELOC is usually interest-only during the draw period, then amortizes (principal + interest) afterward, which raises the payment.
- HELOC vs. cash-out refinance: a HELOC keeps your existing mortgage and adds a second loan; a cash-out refinance replaces the whole mortgage and charges closing costs on the full balance.

## About

- [About & methodology](https://helocator.com/about): How the calculators work, the formulas used, editorial standards, privacy, and affiliate disclosure.

Note: Results are estimates for educational purposes only and are not financial, lending, tax or legal advice. Actual loan amounts and rates are set by lenders after a full application and appraisal.