Home Equity Loan Calculator
A home equity loan calculator is a tool that helps borrowers estimate the costs associated with borrowing against the equity in their home. Home equity loans allow homeowners to borrow money using their home as collateral. These loans typically have fixed interest rates and terms.
Home Equity Loan: Paying Back a Fixed Amount Periodically
Use this calculator for basic calculations of home equity loans, or click the links for more detail on each.
Home Equity Line of Credit (HELOC): Paying Back a Lump Sum Due at Loan Maturity
Home Equity Loan with Interest-only Payments: Predetermined Amount Due at Loan Maturity
Use this calculator to compute the initial value of a home equity loan based on a predetermined face value to be paid back at loan maturity.
Home Equity Loan: Fixed Amount Paid Periodically
Home equity loans are installment loans that allow homeowners to borrow against the equity in their home. These loans typically have fixed interest rates and terms, with regular monthly payments that include both principal and interest.
Home Equity Line of Credit (HELOC): Single Lump Sum Due at Loan Maturity
A HELOC is a revolving line of credit that allows homeowners to borrow against their home equity as needed. During the draw period, borrowers can withdraw funds up to their credit limit and typically only pay interest on the amount borrowed.
Home Equity Loan with Interest-only Payments: Predetermined Lump Sum Paid at Loan Maturity
Some home equity loans offer interest-only payment options during an initial period. During this time, borrowers only pay the interest on the loan, with the full principal amount due at the end of the interest-only period.
Home Equity Loan Basics for Borrowers
Interest Rate
Home equity loan interest rates are typically lower than unsecured personal loan rates because they are secured by the borrower's home equity. Rates can be fixed or variable depending on the type of loan.
Loan Term
Home equity loan terms typically range from 5 to 30 years. Longer terms result in lower monthly payments but higher total interest costs over the life of the loan.
Loan-to-Value Ratio
Lenders typically limit home equity loans to a certain percentage of the home's value minus any existing mortgage balances. This is known as the loan-to-value (LTV) ratio.
Advantages of Home Equity Loans
- Lower Interest Rates: Secured by home equity, rates are typically lower than unsecured loans
- Potential Tax Benefits: Interest may be tax deductible for certain uses
- Lump Sum Access: Home equity loans provide a lump sum of cash upfront
- Predictable Payments: Fixed-rate loans have consistent monthly payments
- Flexible Use: Funds can be used for various purposes including home improvements, debt consolidation, or major expenses
Home equity loans can be an effective way to access funds for major expenses while taking advantage of potentially lower interest rates. However, borrowers should remember that their home serves as collateral, putting it at risk if they fail to make payments.