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home buying, home insurance, home ownership, home equity, equity, loan
Home / News & Financial Education / What is Home Equity?
What is Home Equity?By merrimack on 8/1/2024

What is Home Equity?

Home equity is the value of a homeowner's interest in their home. It is calculated as the difference between the home's current market value and the outstanding balance of any mortgages or liens on the property. For example, if your home is worth $300,000 and you owe $200,000 on your mortgage, your home’s equity is $100,000.

How Home Equity Builds Over Time

Home equity can increase over time if your property's value increases or as your mortgage balance is paid down. As you chip away at the principal on your mortgage, your equity grows. Making extra payments or larger-than-required payments can accelerate this process.

How to Use Home Equity

There are a couple of ways to leverage your home’s equity:

  • Home Equity Loan: A Home Equity Loan is also known as a Second Mortgage.  It is a lump-sum loan with a fixed interest rate and repayment term. It’s ideal for major one-time expenses like home renovations, medical bills, or debt consolidation. The fixed rate provides predictable monthly payments, making it easier to budget.
  • Home Equity Line of Credit (HELOC): A HELOC is useful when you need access to additional funds but you're not sure how much or how often, such as for ongoing home renovations, college tuition or student loan payments, or paying for a wedding.

Benefits of Using Home Equity

Using your home’s equity comes with several advantages, including:

  • Low Interest Rates: Securing a loan with your home as collateral allows you to get a low interest rate compared to other forms of borrowing, such as personal loans or credit cards.
  • Flexible Use of Funds: You can use the money for almost any purpose, from home improvements to paying off higher-interest debt, or other financial needs.
  • Potential Tax Benefits: Interest on home equity loans may be tax-deductible if you itemize deductions and use the funds for qualified purposes, such as home improvements.

Whether you are planning home improvements, consolidating debt, or looking to invest in new ventures, your home’s equity can be an asset in achieving your financial goals.

Learn more

 

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Category: Home Ownership



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