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Home Equity Articles

Should You Use a Home Equity Loan to Consolidate Debt?

Brittney MyersApril 27, 2026

A home equity loan could help you consolidate high-interest debt into one fixed payment. Learn how it works, what it costs, and when it makes sense.

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What Happens If You Default on a HELOC or Home Equity Loan?

Brittney MyersApril 27, 2026

Defaulting on a HELOC could put your home at risk. Learn what happens step by step, and what options you have before it gets to foreclosure.

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Home Equity Loan Refinance: When to Do It and How to Get Started

Brittney MyersApril 27, 2026

Thinking about refinancing your home equity loan? Learn the three ways to do it, what you need to qualify, and when it's actually worth the cost.

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Is a HELOC a Subordinate Lien? And Why Should You Care?

Gina Freeman (Pogol)April 27, 2026

Yes, a HELOC is typically a subordinate lien, and that lien position could affect your refinance, your rates, and your options. Here's what to know.

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How to Get a Home Equity Loan With Bad Credit

Gina Freeman (Pogol)April 27, 2026

A lower credit score doesn’t close the door on home equity. Learn what lenders look for, which options may still work, and how to improve your odds.

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Is HELOC or Home Equity Loan Interest Tax Deductible?

Gina Freeman (Pogol)April 27, 2026

HELOC and home equity loan interest may be tax deductible, but only under specific IRS conditions. Learn what qualifies and how to check if you can claim it.

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Can You Use a Home Equity Loan for Business?

Brittney MyersApril 27, 2026

A home equity loan could fund your business, but your home is on the line. Here's how it works, what it costs, and when it could make sense.

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HELOC for Business

Brittney MyersApril 27, 2026

A business HELOC lets you tap your home equity for company expenses. Learn how it works, what it costs, and when the risks may outweigh the benefits.

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HELOC vs. Home Equity Loan: Which Is Right for You?

Gina Freeman (Pogol)April 23, 2026

Comparing a HELOC vs. a home equity loan? Learn how each works, which costs less, and which fits your goals. Make the right call for your situation.

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Home Equity Loan vs. Car Loan: Which Is the Better Deal?

Brittney MyersApril 23, 2026

Comparing a home equity loan to a car loan? Learn the key differences, real risks, and which option fits your situation.

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Is My California HELOC Recourse or Non-Recourse?

Gina Freeman (Pogol)April 22, 2026

Most California HELOCs are recourse loans, but the answer depends on how yours was structured. Learn what the law says and how to find out where you stand.

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Using a Home Equity Loan for Home Improvements

Betsalel CohenApril 20, 2026

Planning a renovation? Learn how a home equity loan works for home improvements, how it compares to a HELOC and personal loan, and how to choose the right option.

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How to Get a Home Equity Loan

Gina Freeman (Pogol)April 18, 2026

Learn how to get a home equity loan step by step, from checking your equity to closing the loan. Understand requirements, documents, and what to expect.

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Home Equity Loan vs. Cash-Out Refinance: Which Option Actually Costs Less?

Gina Freeman (Pogol)April 17, 2026

A cash-out refinance may offer a lower rate, but that may not mean it costs less. Learn how surcharges, closing costs, and your existing mortgage rate determine which option could save you more.

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What is a Home Equity Loan?

Betsalel CohenApril 17, 2026

A home equity loan lets you borrow a lump sum against your home's equity with fixed payments. Learn what it is, how it's structured, and what to know before you apply.

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HELOCs in California: Rates, Requirements, and What Makes Them Different

Betsalel CohenApril 17, 2026

California HELOCs come with bigger borrowing power and state-specific protections. Learn what rates, requirements, and lenders look like in the Golden State.

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How Does a Home Equity Loan Work?

Brittney MyersApril 11, 2026

A home equity loan lets you borrow a lump sum against your home's equity at a fixed rate. Learn how it works, how much you could borrow, and what to watch out for.

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What Credit Score Do You Need for a HELOC?

Kimberly RotterApril 9, 2026

Most lenders look for a credit score of 620 to 680 for a HELOC. Find out what score you need, how it affects your rate, and what to do if your score isn't there yet.

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How to Pay Off a HELOC

Maurie BackmanMarch 28, 2026

Learn how HELOC repayment works, what payment shock really means in dollars, and strategies that could help you pay off your HELOC faster and save on interest.

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How to Calculate a HELOC Payment

Maurie BackmanMarch 28, 2026

Learn how to calculate your HELOC payment in the draw and repayment periods. Real examples at $30K, $50K, and $100K—then use our calculator to run your numbers.

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How Often Can HELOC Interest Rates Change?

Kimberly RotterMarch 26, 2026

HELOC rates can adjust as often as daily, usually tied to the Prime Rate. Learn what drives changes, how much they can move, and what you can do about it.

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Home Equity Loan Requirements

Betsalel CohenMarch 23, 2026

Find out what lenders look for before approving a home equity loan — equity, credit score, DTI, income, and more. Know where you stand before you apply.

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Does a HELOC Require an Appraisal

Betsalel CohenMarch 22, 2026

Appraisal LTV and HELOC | There are different types of appraisals that a lender may require. The appraisal's value affects your LTV and how much cash you...

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Does a HELOC Affect Your Credit Score

Betsalel CohenMarch 22, 2026

A HELOC can affect your credit score in several ways — some small and temporary, one that lasts. Here's exactly what happens at each stage.

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What Is a HELOC?

Betsalel CohenMarch 22, 2026

A HELOC lets you borrow against your home’s equity as needed. Learn how a home equity line of credit works, what it costs, and what to watch out for.

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HELOC Requirements

Gina Freeman (Pogol)March 22, 2026

Wondering if you qualify for a HELOC? Learn the credit score, equity, income, and DTI requirements lenders typically look for.

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How Does a HELOC Work

Betsalel CohenMarch 22, 2026

A HELOC lets you borrow against your home’s equity as needed. Learn how a home equity line of credit works, what it costs, and what to watch out for

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How long does it take to get a HELOC?

Betsalel CohenMarch 19, 2026

Most HELOCs take 2-6 weeks. Learn what drives the timeline, why your funds aren't available right after closing, and how to move faster.

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HELOC Calculator: Estimate Your Borrowing Power

Rebecca LakeMarch 19, 2026

Use our free HELOC calculator to see how much you could borrow and what your monthly payment could be — in the draw period and at repayment. (145 chars)

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How to Get a HELOC

Lyle DalyMarch 17, 2026

Learn how to get a HELOC in 6 steps — from calculating your equity to closing. What lenders look for, documents you'll need, and how to compare offers.

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Will a large unused HELOC hurt your credit?

Mark CappelMay 7, 2025

Read more to learn about how an unused equity line of credit (HELOC) can influence your credit. Get information, tips and resources all in one place at Bills.c

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How Does A Cash-Out Refinance Work?

Erik MartinOctober 11, 2022

Cash-out refinancing is a way to change the terms of your mortgage and take cash out of your home with one loan. Learn how cash-out refinancing works and when it’s a good idea.

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HELOC Refinance

Erik MartinAugust 23, 2022

There are several reasons to refinance a HELOC – pay less interest, get more time to pay, or change a variable rate to a fixed rate. Learn how to refinance a HELOC.

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Cash Out Refinance

Erik MartinAugust 16, 2022

A Cash out refinance lets you change your current mortgage terms and receive more money. You can lower your interest, get more affordable payments, and use...

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Home Equity Improvement Loans

Erik MartinJune 4, 2022

There are several types of home improvement loans. You may choose from home equity loans, HELOCs, cash-out refinancing, and personal loans. Your best choice depends on...

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HELOC

What is a HELOC and how does a HELOC work. Learn how to get a HELOC and how much you can borrow with a HELOC, then find best HELOC lenders and...

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Home Equity Loan

Rebecca LakeMay 3, 2022

Learn how to get and use a home equity loan, home equity loan interest rates and closing costs. Compare home equity loans to cash-out refinancing.

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Home Equity

Richard BarringtonApril 26, 2022

Home equity guide: What is home equity, how to use home equity, borrowing against home equity, and how to choose your best home equity...

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Use Equity for Home Improvements

Daniel CohenAugust 8, 2019

Home improvement projects can be expensive. Choose the right way to pay for your home improvement project using the equity in your home. A HELOC offers you the

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Trends in Home Equity Loans 2019

Betsalel CohenApril 28, 2019

Home Equity Loan Trends 2019 | Learn about how rising home prices and fluctuating interest rates affect your choices to tap into home equity. With...

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Best Home Equity Loan Rates

Betsalel CohenApril 21, 2019

Home Equity Loan Rates vary based on your credit score and the loan-to-value ratio. You can lock into a fixed rate or take a variable rate with...

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Choose a Home Equity Loan

Betsalel CohenApril 15, 2019

Choosing a Home Equity Loan Calculator helps you find the right type of loan. Do you want to refinance your current mortgage, take out a lump sum, or maybe...

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Home Equity Loan Calculator

Betsalel CohenApril 15, 2019

Use Bills.com Home Equity Loan Calculator to find out how much money you can borrow against your home, your monthly payment, and the total Loan-to-Value ratio.

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Five Cash-Out Mortgage Tips

Betsalel CohenOctober 16, 2018

Get five cash-out refinance tips from a veteran mortgage professional. Stay in tune with market changes and take advantage of higher home prices, low...

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Cash-Out Refinance in New Jersey

Betsalel CohenSeptember 29, 2018

A Cash-out Refinance in New Jerseyis a viable alternative for many homeowners. If you need more cash, then consider using your home equity and get low...

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Qualifying for a Cash-Out Mortgage

Betsalel CohenSeptember 29, 2018

Qualifying for a cash-out mortgage requires sufficient equity in your home. You will need good to excellent credit to qualify for a high LTV cash-out, but there

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Cash-Out Refinance in Arizona

Betsalel CohenSeptember 4, 2018

A Cash-out Refinance in Arizona is a viable alternative for many homeowners. If you need more cash, then consider using your home equity and get low...

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Bills.com's Cash Out Refinance Calculator

Betsalel CohenAugust 30, 2018

Use Bills.com Cash Out Refinance Calculator to see how much equity you have in your home, how much you can add to your existing mortgage, and what the new...

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Reasons to do a Cash-out Refinance

Betsalel CohenAugust 30, 2018

One popular reason to take out a cash-out refinance mortgage is debt consolidation. Other common reasons households use built up equity in their home are home i

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2018 Cash Out Refinance Options

Betsalel CohenFebruary 4, 2018

Rising home prices, low mortgage rates, and improving economic situation offers a great opportunity to use a cash out mortgage refinance to save money and...

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