What You Can Really Borrow Against Your Home

See the real numbers on home equity borrowing. How much can you access and what will it actually cost you?

Home equity sounds like free money, but it's really debt secured by your house. This calculator shows you both sides: yes, you can access cash, but you'll also see exactly what that costs in monthly payments and total interest. Banks love home equity loans because your house is collateral — they're very safe for them. For you, the stakes are higher. You're putting your home on the line for whatever you're borrowing for. See the real numbers: how much you can borrow, what you'll pay monthly, and the total interest over the loan term. Then decide if what you're using the money for is worth that cost.

Calculator

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Available Equity
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Maximum Borrowable
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Monthly Payment (Max Loan)
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Total Interest (Max Loan)
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Current LTV
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Common use cases

  • Understanding the true cost of borrowing against your home
  • Comparing home equity vs. other loan options
  • Seeing total interest costs before committing
  • Making informed decisions about using home equity

How to use

  1. Enter your home's current market value
  2. Input your remaining mortgage balance
  3. Set the maximum loan-to-value ratio (typically 80%)
  4. Enter the expected interest rate
  5. Choose your desired loan term
  6. See your borrowing power and estimated payments

FAQ

What's the difference between a home equity loan and HELOC?

A home equity loan provides a lump sum with fixed payments, while a HELOC is a revolving credit line you can draw from as needed.

What is LTV?

Loan-to-Value (LTV) is the ratio of your total loans to your home's value. Lenders typically limit combined LTV to 80-85%.

Are home equity loan interest payments tax-deductible?

Interest may be deductible if the loan is used for home improvements. Consult a tax professional for your specific situation.

Is borrowing against my home risky?

Your home is collateral. If you can't pay, you could lose it. Make sure what you're using the money for is worth that risk.

This calculator provides illustrative estimates for planning purposes only and does not constitute financial, tax, or legal advice.