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More homeowners are "equity rich," but what can they do with that wealth?

Aug 1, 2024
High interest rates often make home equity loans or cash-out refinance options unappealing.
"You can sell some of your mutual funds," says Jenny Schuetz of Brookings Metro. "You can't sell off a part of your house."
David McNew/Getty Images

Homeowners are gaining equity, but it may be going untapped

Jul 31, 2023
A new report finds the rate of mortgage borrowers considered "equity rich" increased to 49% in the second quarter.
"Why would you refinance if you've got a mortgage of 3%, at a mortgage rate of 7%?" says Susan Wachter of the Wharton School.
Philip Pacheco/AFP via Getty Images

Why home equity lines of credit have been getting more popular

Nov 24, 2022
HELOC lending, secured by a homeowner's property, has been growing even as mortgage demand has been falling.
A sign advertises new homes at a construction site in Maryland. The mortgage market has been softening, but the market for equity-based loans has shown strength.
Jim Watson/AFP via Getty Images

Could home equity lines of credit come back in 2022?

Dec 6, 2021
After a pause, HELOCs could regain popularity if mortgage interest rates rise.
If interest rates creep up in the coming year, homeowners may turn from refinancing to HELOCs.
Joe Raedle via Getty Images

Homeowners are building wealth at record rates without doing a thing

Sep 8, 2021
Rising values have given homeowners a lot more equity, which they can tap for cash. They gained $1 trillion in the second quarter.
A residential development and golf course in Las Vegas. U.S. homeowners cashed in $63 billion in equity during the second quarter, according to data firm Black Knight.
Patrick T. Fallon/AFP via Getty Images

Homeowners had amassed record equity as crisis began

Jul 6, 2020
Housing wealth and other protections advantage owners over renters.
A neighborhood in San Francisco. Home values have only kept rising as buyers compete for a limited supply of houses.
Justin Sullivan/Getty Images

Getting cash out of your home is about to get harder if you have an FHA mortgage

Aug 1, 2019
A growing number of homeowners have been refinancing and pocketing the increase in their homes' values.
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For public good, not for profit.

Remodeling booms as housing stock ages

Mar 14, 2019
Spending on home improvement has increased by 50 percent since the recession.
Photo by Justin Sullivan/Getty Images

At $6 trillion, "tappable" home equity reaches new high

Sep 26, 2018
So far, homeowners are resisting cashing out.
David McNew/Getty Images