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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
![mom working on a laptop at home](https://www.bankrate.com/2022/09/08101846/using-heloc-to-pay-mortgage.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
![Couple sits on the couch in their new home](https://www.bankrate.com/2020/12/08162922/What-is-hypothecation-1.jpg?auto=webp&optimize=high&crop=1:1&width=356)
In real estate, it’s the thing that puts your house on the line if you miss mortgage payments.
![couple at desk browsing on laptop](https://www.bankrate.com/2020/03/31112657/ShouldIUseHELOCToPayCCDebt.png?auto=webp&optimize=high&crop=1:1&width=356)
It’s a good way to get those balances off your back, but beware the risks.
![A mom with her children outside](https://live-bankrate-press.pantheonsite.io/app/uploads/2023/06/Homes-Home-equity-data-and-statistics.jpg?auto=webp&optimize=high&crop=1:1&width=356)
Some key facts and figures everyone who has a house should know.
![Mother helping daughter move boxes into car for college](https://www.bankrate.com/2022/08/26103514/home-equity-college.jpg?auto=webp&optimize=high&crop=1:1&width=356)
Using your home equity for educational bills can work, if you consider all the pros and cons first.
![Firepit in a backyard along a river](https://www.bankrate.com/2019/05/09132059/5-Things-to-know-before-you-tackle-a-backyard-makeover.jpg?auto=webp&optimize=high&crop=1:1&width=356)
You don’t need to spend a fortune to create a great outdoor space.
![A senior couple planning their finance and paying bills while using a laptop at home.](https://www.bankrate.com/2024/02/21093802/how-much-home-equity.jpg?auto=webp&optimize=high&crop=1:1&width=356)
Less than you think, probably. Here’s what cuts into the tappable amount.
![Illustrated collage of a house shape made of money](https://www.bankrate.com/2023/02/13133609/Homes_What-happens-to-my-home-equity-line-of-credit-if-my-home-value-falls_.jpg?auto=webp&optimize=high&crop=1:1&width=356)
Your lender could cap, cut or even close your credit line. Here’s what to expect and how to prepare.
![Young couple managing expenses and bills at home after holidays.](https://www.bankrate.com/2022/10/10093807/should-you-tap-home-equity-to-pay-for-holiday-expenses.jpg?auto=webp&optimize=high&crop=1:1&width=356)
It’s tempting, but think carefully about hocking the house to cover these seasonal costs.
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