Most financial institutions will let you borrow as much as 70%-80% of the loan-to-value (LTV) ratio of your home less any outstanding mortgage debt on your property.
Most financial institutions will let you borrow as much as 70%-80% of the loan-to-value (LTV) ratio of your home less any outstanding mortgage debt on your property. There are a variety of home equity loan products available, each with their own terms and conditions. The equity is collateral you can use when borrowing against your home and is calculated as follows:
How Much Credit is Available to You
Calculations
Purchase
Appraised value of your home
$300,000
Borrowing percentage*
80%
Percentage of appraised value
$240,000
Less existing mortgage debt
-$100,000
Potential credit line
$140,000
* Actual percentages may vary depending on the lender and borrowed amount.
When determining your available credit line, the lender may take into consideration other factors including your past credit history, your current income, and your ability to repay a loan. After your credit history has been evaluated, a report will be generated which includes your credit score and lets lenders know which loan is best suited for you.
Maintaining a good FICO score
Your credit score is calculated by the Fair Isaac Corporation (FICO), which accesses the three main credit reporting bureaus (Equifax, TransUnion, and Experian). Credit scores can range from as low as 300 points to as high as 850. People with average credit usually score around 620, good credit at 660, and excellent credit above 720.
You can build and maintain a good credit score by always paying your bills on time, and by keeping a good utilization ratio. This means using less credit than is actually available to you. FICO scores are based on your rating in five general categories: payment history (35%), amounts owed (30%), length of credit history (15%), new credit (10%), and types of credit used (10%) (Source: www.myfico.com). Whether you are new to using credit, or have been a long-time borrower, keeping these categories in mind and maintaining responsible borrowing habits can help you strengthen your credit score. Compare home equity rates.
Ari Socolow: Ari Socolow is the Chief Economist and Editor-in-Chief at BestCashCow. He is particularly interested in issues relating to bank transparency and the climate crisis. Since co-founding BestCashCow in 2005, Ari has been frequently cited in the media as an expert on local and national savings accounts, CD products, mortgage and loan products and credit card rewards products.
Available APRs range from 6.35% - 14.90%*, which includes the payment of a higher origination fee in exchange for a reduced interest rate, which is not available to all applicants or in all states.(the advertised APR includes a combined 0.25% discount for opting into a credit union membership (0%) and enrolling in autopay (0.25%) as well as payment of higher origination fee in exchange for a reduced rate, which is not available to all applicants or in all states). The lowest APRs are only available to the most qualified applicants, depending on credit profile and the state where the property is located, and those who also select five year loan terms; APRs will be higher for other applicants and those who select longer loan terms. Rates change frequently so your exact APR will depend on the date you apply. APRs for home equity lines of credit do not include costs other than interest. You will be responsible for an origination fee of up to 4.99% of your initial draw, depending on the state in which your property is located and your credit profile. You may also be responsible for paying the costs of valuation if an AVM is not available for your property ($180), manual notarization if your county doesn’t permit eNotary ($380), and recording fees ($0 - $315) and recording taxes, which vary by state and county ($0-$1,400 per one hundred thousand dollars borrowed). Property insurance is required as a condition of the loan and flood insurance may be required if your property is located in a flood zone.
Flexible terms, borrow $15K-$750K, redraw up to 100%
Use to consolidate debt or finance your next home project
Conditions… Variable APR of Prime minus 1.01% in all states. Min loan amount $10,000. Max loan amount $200,000. 30-year term. Annual fee waived for the first year. See conditions for guarantee at thirdfederal.com.
Third Federal rate are typically 20% lower than other leaders
Guaranteed Lowest Rate
No closing costs, prepayment penalties, or minimum draw requirements
Rates/terms are subject to change. All offers of credit are subject to credit approval. Applicants may be offered credit at higher rates and other terms. Property insurance (including flood insurance, if applicable) is required. HELOCs not offered in Texas. Membership at FourLeaf is required by opening a minimum $5 share account.
Rates shown are based on primary residence, minimum initial draw of $25,000 at account opening, monthly payments via automatic transfers from a FourLeaf checking/savings account, and borrower(s) inputs for credit score and Combined Loan-to-Value.
If borrower(s) qualifies for an intro rate, the intro APR is fixed for 12 months. After, standard APR is variable based on the U.S. Prime Rate, plus a margin, and is subject to increase. To obtain an intro rate, borrower(s) must meet credit/loan program requirements, including (but not limited to): 1) maximum CLTV of 75%, 2) minimum credit score of 720 3) initial draw of $25,000 and maintain this balance for 12 months, 4) monthly payments via automatic transfers from a FourLeaf checking/savings account, and 5) have not had an intro rate within the past 5 years. Loan amounts over $500,000 are not available for the intro rate.
The standard APR is variable based on the U.S. Prime Rate as published in the Wall Street Journal, plus a margin (if applicable), and is subject to increase after consummation. The current standard APR ranges from 7.50% - 18.00% as of 4/16/2025. Not all applicants will qualify for the lowest rate. The minimum floor APR is 3.25% and maximum is 18%. Prime Rate as of 4/16/2025 = 7.50%. Closing costs for the first $500,000 will be paid by FourLeaf but must be repaid by the borrower(s) if the HELOC is closed within first 36 months of account opening. Fees generally range between $500 - $15,000. Borrower(s) will be responsible for mortgage-related taxes and title insurance costs on the line amounts over $500,000. Fees generally range between $500 -$60,000.
Tap into your home's equity & access the funds you need with a HELOC
Apply online or speak with a specialist
No application, origination & appraisal fees on lines up to $500K[3]
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