Borrowing Against Your Home Just Got More Affordable

Right now, American homeowners are sitting on a record-breaking $11.5 trillion in tappable equity—and chances are, you're one of them.

That’s money you could access without selling your home, while still keeping a solid 20% cushion in place. And with HELOC interest rates finally coming down, this might be the most affordable time in years to put your equity to work.

But the big question is: Should you?

Let’s break it down so you can decide what makes the most sense for you.

📊 The Equity Numbers Are Wild

According to the latest Mortgage Monitor report:

• U.S. homeowners hold $17.6 trillion in total equity

• $11.5 trillion of that is considered tappable

• The average homeowner has about $212,000 they could borrow against

• Nearly 48 million mortgage holders have access to this

That’s a lot of unlocked potential—and yet, most people haven’t touched it. In early 2025, homeowners withdrew less than half a percent of their available equity. That means many are sitting on serious value without even realizing it.

💸 Borrowing Just Got Cheaper

Here’s what really stands out: borrowing against your home just got a lot more affordable.

HELOC interest rates have dropped by over 2.5% recently, now sitting below 7.5%. That means:

• Borrowing $50,000 in early 2024 = ~$412/month

• Borrowing $50,000 today = ~$311/month

That’s a monthly savings of over $100—without refinancing your first mortgage.

And if rate cuts continue, we could see HELOC rates in the mid-6% range in 2026. Even more savings.

🛠️ Why Homeowners Are Tapping In

More homeowners are starting to realize they don’t have to sell to access their equity—or give up their great mortgage rate.

Some smart ways people are using HELOCs right now:

• Renovate without touching savings – new kitchen, bathroom, or that dream backyard

• Pay off high-interest debt – fold it into one lower-interest monthly payment

• Invest in something strategic – like a second property, business, or education

• Prepare for emergencies – a flexible line of credit = peace of mind

🤔 Should You Use Your Equity?

Ask yourself:

• Do I have a plan for the funds?

• Can I handle the monthly payment, even if rates fluctuate a bit?

• Do I want access to cash without selling or refinancing?

If the answer is yes, it might be the right time to explore your options.

💬 Let’s Chat

If you’re curious about how much equity you have—or want a second opinion on whether a HELOC makes sense—I’m happy to connect you with a trusted lender and help you weigh your options.

No pressure, no sales pitch. Just real answers based on your goals.

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