Home Equity

By Minh Tong Reviewed by Melissa Cook Updated Jan 05, 2023
Home Equity

Home equity refers to the portion of a homeowner’s property that they own outright. It is calculated by subtracting the remaining balance on the mortgage from the property’s current market value. Home equity can increase over time as the homeowner pays down their mortgage and as the value of the property increases.

One way that homeowners can use their home equity is by taking out a home equity loan or home equity line of credit (HELOC). These types of loans allow homeowners to borrow against the equity in their home and use the funds for various purposes, such as home improvements, debt consolidation, or paying for education or medical expenses.

There are several factors that can impact a homeowner’s home equity, including the size of their mortgage, the length of the loan term, and the interest rate on the mortgage. Homeowners with larger mortgages or higher interest rates may have less home equity, as a larger portion of their payments go towards interest rather than paying down the principal balance of the loan. In addition, property values can fluctuate over time, which can affect a homeowner’s home equity. If the value of the property decreases, the homeowner’s equity may also decrease.

Another way that homeowners can build equity in their home is by making additional principal payments on their mortgage. By paying more than the required monthly payment, homeowners can reduce the balance of their mortgage faster, which can increase their home equity.

It is important for homeowners to be aware of their home equity, as it can be a useful financial tool. However, it is also important for homeowners to carefully consider any decisions to borrow against their home equity, as these loans typically have higher interest rates than traditional mortgages and the borrower’s home serves as collateral for the loan. If the borrower is unable to make the required payments, they may risk losing their home.

In summary, home equity refers to the portion of a homeowner’s property that they own outright and can be used to borrow against through a home equity loan or HELOC. Homeowners can build equity in their home through paying down their mortgage and by making additional principal payments, and property values can also impact a homeowner’s home equity. It is important for homeowners to be aware of their home equity, but also to carefully consider any decisions to borrow against it. If you’re having trouble with your finances, speak with an Americor professional today to get back on track.


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Minh Tong

Minh leverages decades of experience in marketing, sales management and technology to provide high-level advice and lead new initiatives. Minh has a Bachelor of Science in Business/Managerial Economics from University of California at Irvine. He brings over 20 years of sales and executive management experience to the company and his responsibilities include customer service improvement, professional development, and carrying out communications and marketing. Originally from the east coast, Minh resides in southern California and enjoys spending time with his family, going to the beach, and playing a variety of sports.