Home equity just hit a turning point — here's what owners are doing about it
Home values have stayed elevated across much of the U.S. even as the market has cooled, and it's changed the math for a lot of homeowners. Instead of selling, many are choosing to tap what they've already built. Here's how the main options compare — and how to see what you might qualify for.
*General market trend, not a rate quote. Individual results vary by lender, location and credit profile.
Why equity is back in the conversation
For years, the advice was simple: if you needed cash, sell your house. But with many owners sitting on mortgage rates they locked in years ago, selling and rebuying often means giving that rate up. That's pushed more homeowners to look at their equity as a resource to use in place, rather than a reason to move.
At the same time, renovation costs, tuition bills, and higher-interest debt haven't gotten any cheaper. A home equity loan, HELOC, or cash-out refinance lets owners borrow against value they've already built, often at a lower rate than credit cards or personal loans — though the exact terms depend entirely on the lender, the loan type, and your financial profile.
Three ways homeowners are putting equity to work
Home Equity
Borrow against the value you've built, often as a lump sum or line of credit, while keeping your current mortgage in place.
See my options →Refinance
Replace your existing mortgage with new terms — potentially adjusting your rate, your monthly payment, or your loan length.
See my options →Purchase
Exploring a move instead? Compare financing options for a new home before you start touring listings.
See my options →What to expect if you check your options
Answer a few questions
About your home, your goals, and roughly what you're looking to borrow. Takes about two minutes.Get matched with lenders
BestMoney's free matching tool connects you with lending partners that fit your profile — you're not committing to any of them yet.Compare before you decide
Review offers side by side. You choose whether to move forward, and with which lender, if any.
Common questions
Will checking my options affect my credit score?
Initial matching is typically done with a soft credit check, which does not affect your score. If you move forward and formally apply with a specific lender, that lender may perform a hard inquiry as part of underwriting — they'll disclose this before you apply.
Is this a loan application?
No. Submitting your information through the matching tool is not a loan application and does not obligate you to accept any offer. You'd need to apply directly with a lender before receiving an actual loan offer.
Who actually provides the loan?
BestMoney.com (operated by Natural Intelligence Technologies Inc., NMLS #2084135) is a matching service, not a lender. It connects you with third-party lending partners who make their own approval decisions and set their own rates and terms.
Is there any cost to check my options?
No, using the matching tool is free. Any costs associated with an actual loan would be disclosed directly by the lender you choose to work with.
Am I guaranteed to be approved or get a specific rate?
No. Neither Hearth & Ledger nor BestMoney can guarantee approval, rates, or terms. Those are determined solely by the participating lender based on your application and creditworthiness.
See what your home's equity could do for you
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