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Home Equity Loans April 2024

Home equity loans, often referred to as a second mortgage, offer homeowners the opportunity to tap into their home’s value and borrow money against it. Home equity loans are typically used for large purchases, debt consolidation or to make home improvements. Compare and choose the right home equity lender to suit your needs.

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Key Facts

  • Mortgage Types: Purchase, Refinance, Home Equity
  • Min. Credit Score: 620
  • APR: Varies
  • NMLS#: 6606

Pros

pros iconManual underwriting available to evaluate credit

pros iconOne of the few non-bank lenders offering equity lending and reverse mortgages

pros iconCan participate in the entire process online

pros iconEnglish and Spanish-speaking loan officers available

Cons

cons iconNot available in Hawaii or New York

cons iconDoesn’t work with down payment assistance programs in all states

New American Funding Disclaimer:© 2020 Broker Solutions, Inc. DBA New American Funding. All Rights Reserved. Corporate Office: 14511 Myford Road, Suite 100, Tustin, CA 92780.†14 business day guarantee only applies to purchase transactions. This guarantee does not apply to Reverse Mortgages, FHA 203k, VA, Bond, MCC, loans that require prior approval from an investor, or brokered loans.
The guarantee does not apply if events occur beyond the control of New American Funding, including but not limited to; appraised value, escrow or title delays, 2nd lien holder approval, short sale approval, or lender conditions that cannot be met by any party.
The 14 business day trigger begins when the borrower’s initial mortgage application (including income and assets documentation) is complete, and the borrower has authorized credit card payment for the appraisal. If New American Funding fails to perform otherwise, a credit of $250 will be applied toward closing costs.

  • check mark Offers a manual underwriting service
  • check mark Customized quotes for home equity loans
  • check mark Dedicated to serving minorities
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Key Facts

  • Mortgage Types: Refinance, Home Equity
  • Min. Credit Score: 640
  • APR: Undisclosed
  • NMLS#: 1717824

Pros

pros iconLow fixed rates

pros iconSecured online application and quick funding time

Cons

cons iconAn origination fee

Figure Disclaimer: Figure Lending LLC dba Figure. 15720 Brixham Hill Avenue, Suite 300, Charlotte, NC 28277. (888) 819-6388. NMLS ID 1717824.

For licensing information, go to www.nmlsconsumeraccess.org. Equal Opportunity Lender. Equal Housing Opportunity. This site is not authorized by the New York State Department of Financial Services. No mortgage solicitation activity or loan applications for properties located in the State of New York can be facilitated through this site.

As representative example, an eligible borrower obtained a loan amount of $15,000 with a 5% origination fee at an interest rate of 9.65% for 36 months. That would include an origination fee of $750.00 for an APR of 13.204%. They would receive $14,250.00 and make 36 monthly payments of $481.55. Loan amounts range from $5,000 to $50,000; loan term lengths are 36 months or 60 months.

California loans are made and arranged according to a Finance Lenders Law License. Licensed by the Department of Financial Protection and Innovation under the California Finance Lenders Law (License 60DBO81967). To check the rates and terms you qualify for, we will conduct a soft credit pull that will not affect your credit score. Yet, if you continue and submit an application, we will request your full credit report from one or more consumer reporting agencies, which is considered a hard credit pull and may affect your credit.

Figure’s Personal Loan APRs range from 5.75% to 31.44%, inclusive of a 0.25% discount for enrolling in autopay. The lowest APRs are for the most qualified applicants based on factors such as credit score, debt-to-income ratio, credit utilization, and credit inquiries; rates will be higher for other applicants. The advertised APR is only available for applicants who are eligible for and select 3-year loan terms; longer terms have higher rates. Rates frequently change, so your exact rate will depend on the date you apply.

You will be responsible for an origination fee of up to 5.00% of your loan amount, depending on your credit profile and the state where you reside. Loan terms and prices are also subject to change. Figure’s Personal Loan amounts range from a minimum of $5,000 to a maximum of $50,000. You may not be eligible for our maximum amount, as the minimum and maximum loan amounts vary depending on the state in which you reside and your credit profile.

Figure’s Personal Loan Referral Program is unavailable for borrowers or applicants in Kentucky, Ohio, or Rhode Island and does not apply to any of Figure’s other loan products. For either party to be eligible to receive the $150 gift card, they must fund the referred loan. Once complete, it may take up to 5 business days to fulfill the gift card orders, which will be delivered electronically to the email addresses associated with each account.

Next Day Funding requires the application to be approved and documents signed before 4 p.m. PST or 7 p.m. EST. Please check with your institution to ensure funds availability before attempting to access the funds. Limit one $100 bonus per customer. The bonus will be deposited in the Figure Pay account within 30 days of the second consecutive deposit, satisfying the requirements for the bonus.

HELOC:* Approval may be granted in five minutes but is ultimately subject to verification of income and employment, as well as verification that your property is in at least average condition with a property condition report. Five business day funding timeline assumes closing the loan with our remote online notary. Funding timelines may be longer for loans secured by properties located in counties that do not permit recording of e-signatures or that otherwise require an in-person closing.
*Available APRs range from 8.80% – 17.45%*.(the advertised APR includes a combined 0.50% discount for opting into a credit union membership (0.25%) and enrolling in autopay (0.25%) as well as payment of higher origination fee in exchange for a reduced rate, which is not available to all applicants or in all states). The lowest APRs are only available to the most qualified applicants, depending on credit profile and the state where the property is located, and those who also select five year loan terms; APRs will be higher for other applicants and those who select longer loan terms. As representative example, for a borrower with a 60% CLTV and a 740 credit score who is eligible for and chooses to pay a 4.99% origination fee in exchange for a reduced APR on a five-year Figure Home Equity Line with an initial draw amount of $50,000 would have a fixed annual percentage rate (APR) of 10.60%. The total loan amount would be $55,300. Alternatively, a borrower with the same credit profile who pays a 3.99% origination fee would have an APR of 10.90% and a total loan amount of $55,450. Your actual rate will depend on many factors such as your credit, combined loan to-value ratio, loan term, occupancy status, and whether you are eligible for and choose to pay a higher origination fee in exchange for a lower rate. Rates change frequently so your exact APR will depend on the date you apply. APRs for home equity lines of credit do not include costs other than interest. Property insurance is required as a condition of the loan and flood insurance may be required if your property is located in a flood zone.

  • check mark Borrow up to $400k, flexible HELOC terms
  • check mark 100% digital app & online appraisal
  • check mark Rated Excellent on TrustPilot
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Key Facts

  • Mortgage Types: Home equity
  • Min. Credit Score: 550
  • APR: Undisclosed

Pros

pros iconProvides flexibility to use cash for a variety of purposes without incurring monthly payments or interest charges

pros iconOffers the opportunity to buy back equity at any time during the agreement

pros iconDesigned to be a flexible option for homeowners who may not qualify for traditional home equity loans or credit lines

pros iconCan help homeowners facing financial hardship or who are looking for a way to access the equity in their property

Cons

cons iconInvolves giving up a stake in the future value of your home

cons iconEach home equity agreement is subject to individual underwriting review, which means that not all borrowers may qualify

cons iconMay not be suitable for homeowners who are looking to borrow a large amount of money or who need a long-term financial solution

cons iconSome homeowners may prefer the security of a traditional loan or credit line that is secured by their home as collateral

Unlock Agreements are provided exclusively by Unlock Partnership Solutions Inc., Unlock Partnership Solutions AO1 Inc., Unlock Partnership Solutions AO2 Inc., and Unlock Homeownership Solutions Inc., all of which are wholly-owned subsidiaries of Unlock Technologies, Inc. (collectively, “Unlock”).
The applicable Unlock entity enters into the Unlock Agreements directly with consumers and does not act as an agent or broker on behalf of any third-party. No agency relationship shall be formed between any Unlock entity and a consumer pursuant to or in connection with an Unlock Agreement. All Rights Reserved.
*Application to funding may take over 60 days to complete. Funding timelines may vary depending on factors, including, but not limited to appraisal turnaround times and follow-ups required for verification of property details and a clear title.
Liens or any interest secured on the property by MV Realty must be paid off and removed as a condition to close.
Terms and conditions apply.

  • check mark Minimum credit score as low as 550
  • check mark No obligation; quote within a few minutes
  • check mark Quick and easy online experience
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Key Facts

  • Mortgage Types: Purchase, Refinance, Jumbo, Fixed, Adjustable, FHA, VA, USDA
  • Min. Credit Score: 620
  • APR: Undisclosed
  • NMLS#: 167283

Pros

pros iconRate Lock

pros iconOnline application process

pros iconGood reputation for customer satisfaction

pros iconPre-approval available

Cons

cons iconFees could potentially be high

cons iconNo physical branches available

Rocket Mortgage Disclaimer: ©2000 – 2020 Quicken Loans, LLC. All rights reserved. Lending services provided by Quicken Loans, LLC., a subsidiary of Rock Holdings Inc. “Quicken Loans” is a registered service mark of Intuit Inc., used under license. Quicken Loans® (also doing business as Rocket HQ), Rocket Homes Real Estate LLC, and Rocket Loans® are separate operating subsidiaries of Rock Holdings Inc. Each company is a separate legal entity operated and managed through its own management and governance structure as required by its state of incorporation and applicable legal and regulatory requirements.

  • check mark Powerful home equity solutions
  • check mark Free loan calculators
  • check mark Get rates from our providers

Looking for a cash-out refinance solution?

April 2024

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Key Facts

  • Mortgage Types: Purchase, Refinance, Home Equity
  • Min. Credit Score: 620
  • APR: Varies
  • NMLS#: 6606

Pros

pros iconManual underwriting available to evaluate credit

pros iconOne of the few non-bank lenders offering equity lending and reverse mortgages

pros iconCan participate in the entire process online

pros iconEnglish and Spanish-speaking loan officers available

Cons

cons iconNot available in Hawaii or New York

cons iconDoesn’t work with down payment assistance programs in all states

New American Funding Disclaimer:© 2020 Broker Solutions, Inc. DBA New American Funding. All Rights Reserved. Corporate Office: 14511 Myford Road, Suite 100, Tustin, CA 92780.†14 business day guarantee only applies to purchase transactions. This guarantee does not apply to Reverse Mortgages, FHA 203k, VA, Bond, MCC, loans that require prior approval from an investor, or brokered loans.
The guarantee does not apply if events occur beyond the control of New American Funding, including but not limited to; appraised value, escrow or title delays, 2nd lien holder approval, short sale approval, or lender conditions that cannot be met by any party.
The 14 business day trigger begins when the borrower’s initial mortgage application (including income and assets documentation) is complete, and the borrower has authorized credit card payment for the appraisal. If New American Funding fails to perform otherwise, a credit of $250 will be applied toward closing costs.

  • check mark Dedicated to serving minorities
  • check mark Customizable mortgages for a range of credit scores
  • check mark 100% online simple and hassle-free experience

Home equity loans explained

Home equity loans, also referred to as “second mortgages” are just one of the few ways you can use the equity in your home to receive extra cash that can be used for virtually anything. This type of loan, however, is most often used to pay for large expenses, like home remodeling or debt consolidation.

The amount of the loan depends on your home’s market value, or equity, and how much you’ve paid so far on your mortgage. For example, if your home is valued at $300,000 and you still owe $200,000, the amount of equity you have would be the difference—$100,000. The market value would be decided by an appraiser.

Just as with a regular mortgage, you can get a home equity loan from an online lender or from a bank or credit union. A home equity loan is generally easier to qualify for than other loan types you’re using your home as collateral.

How to Get a Home Equity Loan in 6 steps

Top 3 Home Equity Loans Lenders

Pros and cons

While home equity loans can be a great way to convert your home into cash, it’s important to weigh the pros and cons before making a decision.

Pros of Home Equity Loans

  • This type of loan is generally easier to qualify for since you’re securing it with your home, which puts less risk on the lender (but more on the borrower).
  • Using your home as collateral also means you’ll be getting lower interest rates than unsecured loans, like credit cards or personal loans.
  • The interest rate is fixed for the duration of the loan, so borrowers don’t have to worry about interest rates going up or down over time.
  • Borrowers have the freedom to use the money for anything, whether it’s home remodeling or purchasing an investment property.
  • Your interest rates can be tax-deductible if the money is used to renovate your current home (the same property being used as collateral on the home equity loan).

Cons of Home Equity Loans

  • Using your home as collateral can be beneficial for the reasons mentioned above, but it can also be very risky for the borrower. If you’re no longer able to make payments on the loan for any reason, you could lose your home.
  • Unlike other types of loans, you’ll have to pay closing costs and other fees for a home equity loan, which can range between 2%-5% of the loan amount.
  • If you pay the loan off early, you may be on the hook to pay early termination fees, depending on the lender.
  • Having a home equity loan means being responsible for having two mortgages and therefore two monthly payments, which would be adding more to your debt.

Understanding your home’s equity

As mentioned earlier, to understand how much equity you have in your home, you’ll need to know how much you still owe on your mortgage and how much your home is currently valued at. When applying for a home equity loan, most lenders will require that you have a minimum of 15%-20% equity.

To determine your home’s value, you’ll need to have your home appraised. This involves hiring a licensed appraiser to conduct a full home inspection. They’ll consider various factors like the condition of your property, upgrades or additions you’ve made, the size of the property, and more to get the appraisal value.

The cost for a home appraisal is anywhere from $200-$600, depending on the size of your home, location, and the home’s condition, among other factors.

Tips on securing the maximum appraisal value

  • Resolve minor fixes: Finishing those minor fixes around the home can be a low-cost and low-effort way to increase the value of your home.
  • Improve curb appeal: Your home’s exterior plays a key role in its overall value since it gives a first impression. There are many affordable ways to improve a home’s curb appeal without breaking the bank or investing a significant amount of time, like clearing clogged gutters, keeping the lawn maintained, and so on.
  • Consider making small cosmetic upgrades: A new layer of paint, replacing old fixtures with new ones, and other small upgrades can make a big impact on the value of your home.
  • Have documentation of your upgrades: Document any updates you make to your property and hang on to contractor invoices. This can be used to show the appraiser the value you’ve added.
  • Clean your home: Ensuring your home is spotless when an appraiser visits will help improve the ranking for your home’s overall condition. A dirty home can affect the appraiser’s perception of the value of your home, so make sure it’s clean.

How to find home equity loan providers?

While you can take out a home equity loan through traditional lending institutions, like banks and credit unions, expanding your search to also include online-only lenders will help you find the suitable rates.

While most lenders have a similar set of requirements, like verifiable employment and income, access to tax records, and sufficient equity in your home, other factors will vary from lender to lender, like interest rates, fees, and credit score minimum. Shop around and compare lenders to find rates.

Home equity loan lending partners

Let’s take a look at a few of our partner lenders currently offering home equity loans at competitive rates.

Quicken Loans

Quicken Loans is possibly the biggest contender in the home loans sector, certainly the biggest Federal Housing Administration-backed one. The company launched an online loan process, known as Rocket Mortgage, for a faster and more streamlined process than the traditional in-person method for mortgage loan applications.

Amerisave

Amerisave is a direct mortgage lender offering several types of loans, including conventional, jumbo, VA, FHA, USDA, fixed, adjustable, across both purchase and refinance. Licensed in 49 states, AmeriSave has been around since 2002 and has funded nearly $60 billion in mortgage loans.

LendingTree

LendingTree is a direct mortgage lender and a marketplace where you can compare other lenders. Leveraging its position as a top player in the industry, the website and lending platform has become a prominent resource for personal finance, offering a range of products and services to meet the diverse needs of its customers. With access to multiple mortgage offers from various lenders, customers can compare rates and terms to find the most suitable mortgage option for their needs.

Home equity loan alternatives

Aside from a home equity loan, there are two other ways to turn your home equity into cash—a home equity line of credit (HELOC) and cash-out refinancing. One key similarity between all three of these options is that you’re using your home as collateral.

HELOC

Similar to a credit card, a HELOC is a revolving line of credit that you can use as needed to borrow against the equity of your home (up to a certain amount). Unlike a home equity loan, HELOCs typically have variable interest rates and the payments aren’t fixed.

Cash-Out Refinance

This is another way to borrow against your home’s available equity. The big difference between a cash-out refinance and a home equity loan or HELOC is that this option involves paying off your existing mortgage, resulting in a new mortgage with different terms, like a different interest rate or monthly payment.