Image Image courtesy of hywards at FreeDigitalPhotos.net
What is a Home Equity Loan?
Author:Ari Socolow
on January 30, 2011
- modified on October 7, 2017
A home equity loan is a loan in which the borrower uses the equity in their home as collateral. Your home's equity is equal to its market value minus any mortgages or other liens owed on it.
A home equity loan is a loan in which the borrower uses the equity in their home as collateral. Your home's equity is equal to its market value minus any mortgages or other liens owed on it. Compare home equity rates.
In the early stages of your first mortgage loan, the majority of your monthly mortgage payments goes toward paying down the interest, but once you begin to make principal payments, the amount of equity in your home increases. Then, as your home appreciates over time, its equity grows even faster. The opportunity to use this equity is one of the benefits of homeownership.
As a financial tool, home equity loans can help you achieve many of your goals. The attractive rates can be lower than those of a personal loan or unsecured credit card - not to mention the added benefit of being tax deductible in most cases (always check with your tax or financial advisor before making any tax-related decisions).
A popular use of a home equity loan is for home renovations or repairs. By improving your home you are putting money back into your house, which can increase its value. Other reasons homeowners use home equity loans include:
Adding a room as their family grows
Purchasing a new car
Adding or renovating a pool
Taking that dream vacation
Paying for their child's education
Paying off outstanding debts
As emergency cash should unforeseen expenses arise
If you are a homeowner looking to use your home as a financial resource, then a home equity loan or home equity line of credit may be right for you. Always shop online to find the best home equity product that meets your specific needs. 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.
The Figure Home Equity Line is an open-end product where the full loan amount (minus the origination fee) will be 100% drawn at the time of origination. The initial amount funded at origination will be based on a fixed rate; however, this product contains an additional draw feature. As the borrower repays the balance on the line, the borrower may make additional draws during the draw period. If the borrower elects to make an additional draw, the interest rate for that draw will be set as of the date of the draw and will be based on an Index, which is the Prime Rate published in the Wall Street Journal for the calendar month preceding the date of the additional draw, plus a fixed margin. Accordingly, the fixed rate for any additional draw may be higher than the fixed rate for the initial draw. Approval may be granted in fi ve minutes but is ultimately subject to verifi cation of income and employment, as well as verifi cation that your property is in at least average condition with a property condition report. Five business day funding timeline assumes closing the loan with our remote online notary, and where loan amounts are under $400,000 which would not require an appraisal. Funding timelines may be longer for loans secured by properties located in counties that do not permit recording of e-signatures or that otherwise require an in-person closing, or that require a waiting period prior to closing, or where loan amounts exceed $400,000.
#1 Non-bank HELOC in the US, A+ BBB Rating
Access $15,000 to $750,000 in home equity with flexible terms
Approval in as few as 5 minutes, funding in as few as 5 days
Use to consolidate debt, finance your next home project, or major expenses
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]
Add your Comment
or use your BestCashCow account