Couple planning a home renovation with blueprints
Tap Your Home's Value

Put Your Home Equity to Work

Renovations, debt consolidation, or a major expense—I'll help you choose the right way to unlock your equity and get funded, often in just 2–3 weeks. Your growing equity may also qualify you for canceling PMI as your equity grows.

Which Equity Product Is Right for You?

Answer a few quick questions and get a recommendation based on your rate, goals, and how you plan to use the funds.

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HELOC vs. Home Equity Loan vs. Loan Factory Hybrid

Question 1 of 4

What do you want to use the funds for?

“We had $180,000 in equity and needed $75,000—kitchen remodel plus paying off credit cards at 22% interest. Emmett set us up with a HELOC at 8.5%. We paid off the cards immediately and save over $800 a month. The flexibility to draw only what we need has been perfect.”
P&N

Paul & Nancy W.

$75K HELOC • Debt Consolidation + Reno • Denver, CO

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Emmett Clark - Mortgage Expert
Expert Reviewed

Emmett Clark

Licensed Mortgage Loan Officer · NMLS #233747 · 20+ Years Experience

This article has been reviewed for accuracy by Emmett Clark, a licensed mortgage professional serving homebuyers across 18 states including California, Texas, Florida, Arizona, and Colorado. Last updated: July 2026.

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18 State Coverage

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Home Equity FAQs

What are the ways to tap my home equity?

There are three main options: a home equity loan, a HELOC, and a cash-out refinance. A home equity loan gives you one lump sum at a fixed rate and fixed payment, a HELOC is a revolving line of credit you draw from as needed, and a cash-out refinance replaces your existing mortgage with a larger one and gives you the difference in cash.

What is the difference between a HELOC and a home equity loan?

A home equity loan provides a single lump sum at a fixed rate, which is best for one large expense you want to budget around. A HELOC works like a credit card secured by your home, letting you draw funds as needed during a draw period, usually at a variable rate. HELOCs suit ongoing or phased projects.

How much can I borrow against my home?

The amount depends on your equity, credit, and income. Most lenders let you borrow up to roughly 80 to 85 percent of your home value combined with your existing mortgage balance. The more equity you have, the more you can access.

What can I use a home equity loan or HELOC for?

Common uses include home renovations, debt consolidation, paying off high-interest credit cards, education costs, and large one-time expenses. Because the funds are secured by your home, the rates are typically far lower than credit cards or personal loans.

Is a home equity loan or a cash-out refinance better?

It depends on your current mortgage. If you have a low first-mortgage rate you want to keep, a home equity loan or HELOC lets you borrow without touching it. If refinancing your whole balance still makes sense, a cash-out refinance can consolidate everything into one payment. We help you compare both.

Do home equity loans have closing costs?

Home equity loans and HELOCs can have closing costs, though they are often lower than a full refinance, and some HELOC programs waive certain fees. We lay out the full cost so you can compare your options clearly.

From the blog & learning center

Home Equity articles & guides

How long does it take to get a HELOC?
2 min read·Home Equity

How long does it take to get a HELOC?

A HELOC typically takes about two to six weeks from application to funding, depending on the lender, the valuation method, and how quickly you provide documents.

Read more
What is a HELOC draw period and how does it work?
2 min read·Home Equity

What is a HELOC draw period and how does it work?

The draw period is the first phase of a HELOC, usually about 10 years, during which you can borrow from your credit line as you need and often pay interest only on what you use.

Read more
Does opening a HELOC hurt your credit score?
2 min read·Home Equity

Does opening a HELOC hurt your credit score?

Opening a HELOC can lower your score slightly at first, mostly from the hard inquiry when you apply, but over time it can help or hurt depending on how you use it.

Read more
Can I get a HELOC above 80% CLTV, and who actually allows it?
4 min read·Home Equity

Can I get a HELOC above 80% CLTV, and who actually allows it?

Some lenders will let you take a HELOC that pushes your combined loan-to-value above 80 percent, often up to 90 percent, but only for strong borrowers and usually with a specialist lender.

Read more
What is a hybrid HELOC with fixed-rate term draws?
4 min read·Home Equity

What is a hybrid HELOC with fixed-rate term draws?

A hybrid HELOC lets you lock all or part of your balance into a fixed rate and payment while keeping the rest as a variable revolving line, combining flexibility with stability in one account.

Read more
What is the difference between a HELOC and a home equity loan?
4 min read·Home Equity

What is the difference between a HELOC and a home equity loan?

A HELOC is a revolving, variable-rate line you draw from over time; a home equity loan is a one-time fixed-rate lump sum. Here is how to choose between the two second mortgages.

Read more