What You Need to Know Before Tapping into Your Home’s Equity

April 23, 2025 by Nicole Fishman Benoliel

Have you considered using your home’s equity to finance a significant project or pay off some debt? If so, you’re not alone. Many homeowners believe borrowing against the value of their homes to handle substantial expenses. Home equity can seem like a simple solution. You can use it for remodeling your kitchen, paying off high-interest credit cards, or helping with college tuition. But tapping into it isn’t something to take lightly. It’s essential to think carefully before making a decision. This is especially true in places like New York, where housing prices and interest rates change often.

In this blog, we will share everything you need to know before tapping into your home’s equity.

Understanding What Home Equity Is

Home equity is the difference between how much your home is worth and how much you still owe on your mortgage. For example, if your home is worth $400,000 and you owe $250,000, your equity is $150,000. This equity builds over time as you pay your mortgage and your home’s value increases. It’s a part of your net worth and can be used as a financial resource.

However, it’s essential to recognize that using your home’s equity is akin to borrowing money secured by your house. The lender can take your home if you are unable to repay it. Home equity should be a well-thought-out decision, not a quick fix for short-term money problems.

It’s best used for significant, necessary expenses, not everyday spending.

Types of Home Equity Products Available

When you choose to borrow against your home, there are two main types of loans. These are a home equity loan and a home equity line of credit (HELOC). A home equity loan gives you a lump sum of money you pay back over time with fixed monthly payments. This type of loan is best when you know exactly how much you need and want predictable payments.

A HELOC, on the other hand, works more like a credit card. You get approved for a limit and can borrow from it as needed. The interest rate is typically variable, so your monthly payments may fluctuate. Both options depend on factors like your credit score, income, and the current home equity loan rates in New York, which may vary depending on the lender and economic trends.

What Can You Use Home Equity For?

Home equity can help cover a wide range of significant expenses. Typical uses include home renovations, college tuition, debt consolidation, and emergency medical bills. Since home equity loans often have lower interest rates than credit cards, they can be a more intelligent choice for large debts.

However, it’s essential to use the money wisely. Using it for vacations, shopping, or luxury items can be a risky move. These loans still need to be repaid; your house serves as collateral. If your budget can’t handle the extra payments, you could face serious consequences, including foreclosure. Always ensure that the reason for borrowing is worth the long-term commitment.

How Much Equity Do You Need to Borrow?

Most lenders require that you keep at least 15% to 20% equity in your home after borrowing. So, if your home is worth $300,000, and you owe $200,000, you have $100,000 in equity. However, depending on the lender’s rules, you may only be able to borrow up to $40,000 or $50,000. They calculate this using a formula called the loan-to-value ratio (LTV).

This LTV ratio helps lenders determine the risk associated with lending you money. The more equity you have, the better the chances of approval and getting a reasonable interest rate. If your equity is low or you’ve recently refinanced, you may need to wait before borrowing. It’s a good idea to consult with a mortgage expert to understand your options.

Risks That Come with Using Home Equity

Tapping into your home’s equity can be helpful but also carries risks. If your financial situation changes—like losing your job or facing unexpected expenses—you might struggle to make payments. Since your house serves as collateral, missed payments can result in foreclosure. That’s a risk many people don’t thoroughly think about when they sign the loan papers.

Another risk is that home values can drop. If the market goes down and your home’s value decreases, you might owe more than it’s worth. This is known as being “underwater” on your loan. In that situation, selling or refinancing becomes difficult.

Always consider your long-term financial stability before borrowing against your home.

How Your Credit Score Affects the Process

Your credit score significantly determines whether you qualify for a home equity loan and what interest rate you’ll get. Before approving your loan, lenders look at your credit history, debt-to-income ratio, and current income. If your credit score is low, you may get denied or face higher rates, which means paying more over time.

Improving your credit before applying can help. Pay down debts, avoid late payments, and check your credit report for errors. A higher score indicates to lenders that you’re a responsible borrower. This can improve your chances of approval and save you thousands in interest over the life of the loan.

In conclusion, tapping into your home’s equity is a big decision. It can offer financial relief or help you reach goals, but it also comes with serious responsibilities. You are borrowing against your home, and that means taking on risk.

By learning how home equity works, you can better understand your options and the associated terms. This way, you can make a choice that benefits you now and in the future.

Consider your reasons, budget, and long-term plans carefully. Use your equity wisely and only when it supports your financial well-being. Your home is more than a place to live—it’s an investment worth protecting.