Home Equity Guides

Home Equity Loan vs. HELOC: Which Wins in 2026?

Fixed lump-sum loan vs. revolving HELOC — payment certainty, rate risk, fees, and when each wins. With worked $50,000 examples.

How Much Home Equity Can I Borrow? (80/85/90% CLTV)

The CLTV formula lenders actually use, worked examples at 80/85/90%, and why available equity is smaller than you think.

HELOC Draw vs. Repayment: Why Payments Jump 3×

Interest-only draws, the end-of-draw payment shock, and how to budget both phases with stress tests.

Home Equity Rates, Fees & Closing Costs (2026)

What drives your rate, typical fee ranges for loans vs. HELOCs, and the break-even math on points and prepayment.

Fixed vs. Variable: Rate Risk on Second Liens

How fixed loans lock cost, how HELOC variable rates (index + margin, caps) move, and lifetime-cost scenarios.

How to Qualify: Credit, DTI, Appraisal & Timeline

Minimum credit scores, DTI math with examples, appraisal outcomes, and a 2–6 week closing timeline.