![Truist logo](https://www.bankrate.com/f/102997/1280x720/2258d6cb6c/bbt-truist-2021-home-equity-review.jpeg)
Home Equity
Find out what home equity is and how to use it, plus news, advice and tools on home equity loans and HELOCs.
Home equity basics
![A green house on a sunny day](https://www.bankrate.com/brp/2023/11/29114305/Homes_Home_equity_What_Is_It.jpg?auto=webp&optimize=high&crop=16:9&width=320)
It’s the portion of your home you own outright. Its uses are almost endless.
![Couple sit in living room discuss receipts, control family budget, calculate household bills to pay](https://www.bankrate.com/2023/02/15101041/how-to-calculate-home-equity.jpg?auto=webp&optimize=high&crop=16:9&width=320)
How to estimate your ownership stake, and how much of it you can borrow.
![House with solar panels](https://www.bankrate.com/2018/02/12141004/requirements-to-borrow-from-home-equity.jpg?auto=webp&optimize=high&crop=16:9&width=320)
Everything you need to know about HELOC and home equity loan requirements in 2024.
Editor's picks
![Illustrated collage featuring blocks that say: "For rent"](https://www.bankrate.com/brp/2023/08/16135501/Homes-Can-you-get-a-home-equity-loan-on-investment-or-rental-property.jpg?auto=webp&optimize=high)
Related topics:
Home equity tools & resources
Bankrate's suite of tools and articles are designed to help you effortlessly learn about your home equity, connect with reputable lenders, compare offers for HELOCs and home equity loans, and more.
Finding a lender
Here’s where you can get a home equity loan today
HELOC vs. home equity loan
How does each work, and which would be best for you?
Mortgage rates
Compare current mortgage rates for today
News highlights
The latest
![Modern Real Estate Front Exterior Blue and White Color Scheme with landscaping](https://www.bankrate.com/2022/01/03132751/How-to-get-a-home-equity-loan-with-bad-credit.jpeg?auto=webp&optimize=high&crop=1:1&width=356)
Yes, you can get financing, even if you’re not the most creditworthy candidate.
![family in their kitchen](https://www.bankrate.com/2022/09/16130419/HELOC-prepayment-penalty.jpg?auto=webp&optimize=high&crop=1:1&width=356)
Yes, you get charged for getting out of debt early. Here’s why.
![Illustrated collage featuring blocks that say: "For rent"](https://www.bankrate.com/brp/2023/08/16135501/Homes-Can-you-get-a-home-equity-loan-on-investment-or-rental-property.jpg?auto=webp&optimize=high&crop=1:1&width=356)
If you have a sufficient ownership stake in it — yes. But it may not be the best move.
![HELOC is not interest only forever](https://www.bankrate.com/2019/05/28143915/HELOC-is-not-interest-only-forever.jpg?auto=webp&optimize=high&crop=1:1&width=356)
It lets you make minimal monthly repayments for a while. But it could shock you at the end.
![Illustrated collage featuring a house with money pouring from the front door](https://www.bankrate.com/2022/12/22122345/Homes-Considerations-for-not-tapping-into-your-home-equity.jpg?auto=webp&optimize=high&crop=1:1&width=356)
For one thing, you could lose your home if things go south.
![Illustrated collage featuring a mailbox with money falling out](https://www.bankrate.com/2023/05/05104747/Homes_How-to-take-equity-out-of-your-home.jpg?auto=webp&optimize=high&crop=1:1&width=356)
Your home isn’t a piggy bank, but there are wise ways to tap your ownership stake for cash.
![Financial advisor talking to young couple](https://www.bankrate.com/brp/2024/08/21120255/what-is-a-first-lien-heloc.jpg?auto=webp&optimize=high&crop=1:1&width=356)
It’s a mortgage-credit line combo. Just don’t spend it all in one place.
![Three people looking over paperwork](https://www.bankrate.com/brp/2023/11/29154603/Homes_Best_uses_for_a_home_equity_line_of_credit.jpg?auto=webp&optimize=high&crop=1:1&width=356)
Certain expenses are tailor-made for tapping your home equity. Others, not so much.
The trusted provider of accurate rates and financial information