Many ways to optimize your home's equity:
A refinance pays off your current mortgage and gives you cash based on your equity. These are good for:
l Lowering or locking in your mortgage interest rate
2 Getting large sums of money ($30,000 or more)
Home equity loans (second mortgage) are installment loans that are paid out in one lump sum. They’re good for:
l repaying credit card debt
2 remodeling projects
3 buying a new vehicle
A home equity line of credit works like a credit card – you agree to a pre-set limit and then borrow as you need to, or in the event of an emergency, usually for up to 10 years. Good for:
l debt consolidation
l major home improvements