Your Home has Value. So Does Your Equity.

You have invested in your home year after year. As your equity grows, so can the possibilities for how you use it. A renovation, another property, an investment opportunity or a personal goal begins with understanding the value you already have.

A Home Equity Line of Credit, commonly called a HELOC, gives qualified homeowners a way to access a portion of their equity without selling their property or replacing their existing first mortgage. Rather than receiving one lump sum, you have an approved line of credit to draw from as needed during a specific time.

The benefit is flexibility. You can access funds when you need them and generally pay interest only on the amount you borrow. As you repay the balance, those funds may become available to use again during the draw period.

Understanding How a HELCO Works

A HELOC is secured by your home and typically has a variable interest rate, so payments can change over time. The amount you can borrow depends on factors including your available equity, income, credit profile and the lender’s requirements.

Because your home serves as collateral, the terms, repayment structure and potential costs all factor into deciding if a HELOC is right for you.

Invest in The Home You Already Own

Sometimes the opportunity is right where you are. A HELOC can provide funds for renovations and improvements to make your home work better for the way you live now. You might be considering a new kitchen, an addition, an outdoor living space or improvements you have wanted to make for years.

There are also tax considerations. Under current federal tax law, interest paid on a HELOC may be tax deductible when loan proceeds are used to buy, build, or substantially improve the home securing the loan, subject to IRS requirements and limitations. Consult a qualified tax professional regarding your specific situation.

Put Your Equity to Work

The equity you have built can also become a resource for other financial goals. Some homeowners use a HELOC when purchasing another property or investing in real estate. Accessing equity can provide capital without requiring you to sell your home or refinance your existing first mortgage.

Used strategically, a HELOC can connect the value you have accumulated in one property with plans for another. Your Mortgage Advisor can review the financing structure, while your financial advisor and tax professional can advise on how the investment relates to your overall financial health and portfolio.

A Closer Look at Your Home Equity

Homeowners today are sitting on substantial value. Recent mortgage market data shows U.S. homeowners hold nearly $17 trillion in home equity, with approximately $11 trillion considered available to borrow against. HELOC balances have also increased for 16 consecutive quarters, reaching $446 billion in early 2026 as homeowners put their equity to use.*

With significant equity available and HELOC activity continuing to rise, knowing how much equity you have and the ways you can access it is an essential part of your financial planning.

A Generations Mortgage Advisor can answer your questions and share current information on HELOC programs, qualifications, and lending requirements based on your individual needs. At GHL, we believe the right partner changes everything. You’ve spent years building equity. Now imagine what you could do with it.

Borrowers should carefully consider the costs, risks, and repayment obligations associated with any use of home equity and consult qualified financial and tax professionals regarding their individual circumstances.