Discover the key differences between home equity loans and mortgages, including their purposes, stages of use, tax implications, and impact on your home equity.

Matt Richardson is the senior managing editor for the Managing Your Money section for CBSNews.com. He writes and edits content about personal finance ranging from savings to investing to insurance.

Not sure if a HELOC or home equity loan is more affordable? Here's which one is cheaper after this week's Fed rate cut.

Home equity loans and home equity lines of credit (HELOCs) allow homeowners to tap into the value of their homes. A home ...

A home equity line of credit (HELOC) can be a valuable tool for homeowners looking to leverage the equity in their homes. Whether you are planning a major renovation, consolidating debt or funding a ...

With the mortgage market in turnaround, many homeowners are looking to tap their home equity rather than sell. One of the largest home lenders in the U.S., Rocket Mortgage, also has some of the most ...

As of December 3, 2025, the average home equity loan rate is 7.99%, according to Bankrate’s regular survey of rates. The average range is between 5.49% and 10.75%. Home equity loan interest rates also ...

The home equity borrowing climate changed in 2025. Here are three smart moves borrowers should consider for 2026.

Home equity is at historic highs. If you've faithfully paid your mortgage over the years, you've likely built up quite a bit of it yourself. According to the Federal Reserve, American homeowners are ...

Discover the benefits and risks of using a home equity loan to pay off your mortgage. Explore strategies to lower payments and manage potential pitfalls.

Rapid home price appreciation and low inventory mean American homeowners are sitting on substantial home equity. In the second quarter of 2025, mortgage holders carried $11.5 trillion in "tappable" ...

Investing in real estate is one way to build generational wealth for the future while bringing in passive income for today. Yet if you’re looking to build up your investments through a rental or ...