How to Unlock Your Home Equity Without Selling

Your home may be your largest asset. If you need cash but want to keep living there, several tools let you tap its value. Each works differently – pick by how much you need and how you want to repay.

Your main options

• HELOC – a revolving credit line; pay interest only on what you draw.
• Home equity loan – one lump sum, fixed monthly payments.
• Cash-out refinance – replace your mortgage with a larger one and pocket the difference.
• Reverse mortgage – no monthly payments (see our guide).
• Sale-leaseback – sell the home, then rent it back.

Quick comparison

• Need a flexible safety net? A HELOC fits.
• Need one predictable payment? A home equity loan fits.
• Want no payments while you live there? A reverse mortgage fits.
• Solo seniors on a tight budget should avoid loans that add a new monthly bill.

Before you borrow

Add the new cost to your plan with the Retirement Budget Calculator and confirm you can still cover taxes and insurance.