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In these complex times of economic and interest rate uncertainty, many homeowners are choosing to stay put through it all.
Some are strategically holding on to a low mortgage rate in an unpredictable market. Others are prioritizing stability, maintaining their sense of control while the economic pendulum swings.
But staying in place doesn’t mean standing still. A growing number of Americans are tapping into one of the most powerful yet underutilized assets they own — home equity. At the same time, many homeowners may not fully understand the tools available to them.
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According to a recent survey from TD Bank, 30% of homeowners can’t correctly identify what a home equity line of credit (HELOC) is, and 34% can’t define a home equity loan.
A HELOC is a line of credit that lets one borrow money using the available equity in one’s home as collateral. It offers the flexibility associated with a line, allowing the borrower to draw and repay funds as needed.
Rates are typically lower than other forms of credit, such as credit cards and are variable tied to the Wall Street Journal Prime Rate plus or minus a margin. Once utilized, many HELOCs allow for the balance to be moved to a fixed rate, with a set repayment term and monthly payment.
By contrast, a home equity loan provides a single lump sum amount, also secured by the home. Home equity loans typically have a fixed rate and term from the start, giving homeowners consistent and predictable monthly payments.
The current lack of awareness represents a potential missed opportunity. When used responsibly, home equity can serve as an adaptable financial resource, a strategic debt management tool and can even be an investment in the future.
When homeowners understand how to make their equity work for them, they can make confident choices that align with their financial goals.
A modern financial resource
American households have been under sustained financial pressures, which have only amplified over time. Inflation, interest-rate volatility and lingering debt burdens have left many families searching for ways to create financial breathing room, and home equity products have emerged as potential solutions.
In fact, 86% of homeowners who use home equity products, such as HELOCs and home equity loans, consider them an important part of their financial plan.
Unlike higher-interest forms of borrowing, these products allow homeowners to access the value they’ve built in their homes, providing a cushion that can be used for major expenses, renovations, unexpected emergencies or other financial needs.
In an environment in which cash-flow flexibility can matter as much as long-term savings, this option might make sense for homeowners.
When used as one piece of a broader financial plan, it can provide both stability and opportunity, two qualities that are often in short supply when markets are uncertain.
A key to simpler debt consolidation
While home equity products can help homeowners with one-time expenses, they’re also proving valuable as a tool for long-term debt management amid higher interest rates. For context, according to Experian, the average nonmortgage debt balance in 2024 was $23,066.
To manage these debts and ease the pressure, homeowners might consider consolidating their debt into a single loan with a lower rate, without realizing their home equity could help make that possible.
HELOCs and home-equity loans allow homeowners to consolidate multiple high-interest debts into a single, lower-rate payment. This can free cash for savings, investments or other priorities, transforming home equity from a static asset into an active part of a financial toolkit.
With home equity loans’ fixed rates and defined repayment terms, homeowners have the clarity to plan around consistent monthly payments. That can make it easier to build a realistic budget and stay on track to pay off debts within a set time frame.
Reaching higher home values through renovations
Beyond serving as a financial safety net or debt-management tool, home equity products can also empower homeowners to invest in their futures. For many households, the home represents their primary asset; responsible access to this asset is of paramount importance.
Tapping into that equity can be an affordable way to maintain and protect a property’s value, whether that means replacing an aging roof, upgrading outdated appliances or remodeling a kitchen or bathroom. These kinds of investments tend to pay off over time, improving homeowners’ daily lives while helping their home hold or increase in value.
Knowing that they can proactively improve their financial standing, rather than being beholden to market conditions, can give homeowners a tangible sense of progress and confidence in their broader financial goals.
As markets continue to evolve, more homeowners are recognizing that they don’t need to look beyond their front doors to find financial flexibility. With the right strategy, the equity they’ve already built can become one of the most powerful tools for navigating whatever comes next.
