Where to get a home equity loan

The average American homeowner is sitting on a little over $274,000 in available equity — a slight decline from a year ago, according to CoreLogic estimates from the first quarter of 2023, but still a substantial ownership stake, and up nearly $100,000 pre-pandemic. To enable them to tap into that equity, obtaining cash for different needs, many lenders offer home equity lines of credit (HELOC) or home equity loans.

Traditionally, you sought home equity financing from your friendly local bank. Now, though, there are several other types of institutions that provide them as well. This sort of financing has been a booming business since home prices and values took off in 2020.

Whatever your financial goals are, here’s where you can get a home equity loan today.

What are home equity loans?

Your home equity is basically the difference between what your home is currently worth and what you still owe on your mortgage (calculating it isn’t hard). That equity — your ownership stake in your home — is an asset, one you can borrow against. There are two primary products that use your home equity as collateral: a HELOC, a type of credit line with a variable interest rate — not unlike a credit card; — and a home equity loan, essentially a second mortgage with a fixed rate.

Where to get a home equity loan

Most lenders in the mortgage business provide home equity financing, but not all products may be available in all states (especially when it comes to HELOCs). Conversely, there are some firms that specialize in home equity loans and HELOCs, but don’t do purchase mortgages.

Banks

Big, retail banks like Bank of America, Citizens Bank and Fifth Third Bank have home equity offerings. You might especially benefit from going to them if you’re already a customer. Some banks such as Citi and Wells Fargo halted their home equity business in the pandemic and have yet to restart, so check before you apply.

Credit unions

These are local, national or regional, and driven by members aligned by factors like location or profession. Some bigger examples — which basically open up membership to anyone — include Alliant Credit Union and PenFed Credit Union.

Mortgage lenders

If you bought your home with a mortgage lender like CrossCountry Mortgage,  Guaranteed Rate or Lower, you might also find home equity financing with them. Online mortgage companies like Rocket Mortgage also now offer home equity products.

Online-only

Online specialists in home equity financing include established operations like Discover and newer players like Figure. Spring EQ also allows some borrowers access up to $500,000 in equity.

Requirements for home equity loans

The lending criteria for home equity loans vary by financial institution. However, here’s an idea of what most will expect from homeowners looking to borrow against their equity:

• Amount of equity in home: At least 15 to 20 percent

• Credit score: Mid to high-600s, although minimum 700 is preferred

• Debt-to-income ratio: No more than 43 percent, although some lenders allow up to 50 percent

• Income: Sufficient verifiable income to make timely loan payments (especially in light of DTI)

• Loan-to-value ratio (LTV): No more than 85 percent

• Payment history: Demonstrated credit history/record of timely payments on outstanding debts

Check with the lenders you’re considering as their requirements may differ from these general eligibility guidelines. And of course, they’ll evaluate your particular financials, too, in the final loan terms they offer you.

Required documents when applying for a home equity loan

Here’s what you’ll typically need to provide to apply for a home equity loan:

• Driver’s license, state-issued ID or passport

• Social Security number

• Your employer’s contact information

• Two most recent pay stubs and W-2 statements

• Employment history and dates

• Proof of income for the past two years (i.e., tax returns and 1099s if applicable)

• Documentation to prove you own the property

• Declarations page from your home insurance policy

How to choose a home equity loan lender

Although you can always start with the lender who provided your primary mortgage, that’s not your only option — or even your best option. With many more sources for a home equity loan beyond the bank, it’s best to compare different types of lenders so you’ll have a sense of which offer the lowest rates and fees and the most convenience or perks.

“You should look for a lender who is upfront with you about the entire loan process, especially the requirements needed to get a loan,” says Rob Cook, vice president of marketing, digital and analytics for Discover Home Loans, adding “costs and fees are an important consideration for anyone who is looking for a loan.”

If you’re getting a home equity loan, know exactly how much you need to borrow; don’t just accept whatever the lender is willing to offer you, which might be more than you requested. Remember: You’re tapping your equity — an asset — and you’ll need to be able to repay the loan or risk losing your home.

Make sure you understand your all-in expenses — home equity loans, like primary mortgages, have closing costs — before committing to an offer. Many home equity lenders may offer attractively lower rates but charge higher fees.

With additional reporting by Allison Martin