Learning Center
Learn mortgages the plain-English way
Straight answers about mortgages, from a licensed loan officer who explains the why behind every number. Browse by topic below — home buying, loan types, refinancing, home equity, rates, and the fundamentals — or scroll for the latest guides and articles.
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Home Buying
Pre-approval, down payment help, offers, and closing — the full buyer journey.
Explore Home BuyingLoan Types
FHA, VA, USDA, conventional, jumbo, DSCR and more — compared plainly.
Explore Loan TypesRefinancing
When to refinance, closing-cost math, and traps to avoid.
Explore RefinancingHome Equity
Home equity loans and HELOCs — how to put your equity to work.
Explore Home EquityRates & Market
What really drives rates, plus timely market news.
Explore Rates & MarketMortgage Basics
APR, taxes, escrow, title, and the tools that tie it together.
Explore Mortgage BasicsLatest guides & articles
What credit score do I need for a home equity loan?
Most lenders want a credit score of at least 620 for a home equity loan, and many prefer 680 or higher for the best pricing.
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Do you need an appraisal to get a HELOC?
Most HELOCs require some form of valuation, but it is not always a full in-person appraisal — depending on the lender, an automated valuation or a drive-by may be used instead.
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How soon after buying a house can I get a HELOC?
You can often apply for a HELOC within a few months of buying, and some lenders will consider one almost immediately, as long as you have enough equity to work with.
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Can I use home equity to buy a second home?
Yes, you can use the equity in your current home to help buy a second home, most often by taking a home equity loan, a HELOC, or a cash-out refinance and using the proceeds toward the purchase.
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Can I get a HELOC on a rental or investment property?
Yes, you can get a HELOC on a rental or investment property, but fewer lenders offer it and the terms are stricter than on your primary home.
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Can I sell my house if I still have a HELOC on it?
Yes, you can sell a house that has a HELOC on it, and the HELOC simply gets paid off from the sale proceeds at closing, the same way your first mortgage does.
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