(407) 201-4403Get started
HELOC · Second-Lien

Keep the rate. Keep the cash.

If you have a 3% first-lien from 2020–2021, you do not want to refinance the whole thing to access equity. A HELOC is a separate, smaller, second-lien line of credit that lets you tap equity without touching the first loan. We compare it against cash-out refi every time — and the answer often surprises borrowers.

  • Keep your low first-lien rate untouched
  • Draw only what you need — interest only on used balance
  • 10-year draw + 20-year repay typical
  • Up to 90% CLTV on some programs
  • HELOC vs. cash-out refi math, every time
  • Investment-property HELOC available (rare!)
Get my comparison(407) 201-4403
NMLS# 2718409Equal Housing Opportunity
Best fit when

HELOC over cash-out when…

Your first-lien is below 5%

Locked in 2020–2021 sub-4% rates? Don't trade the whole loan. A HELOC keeps the gold.

You only need part of the equity

HELOC = pay interest on what you draw. Cash-out = pay interest on the full new balance, day one.

Short payback horizon (1–5 years)

Closing costs on cash-out can wipe out 2 years of savings. HELOC closing costs are typically lower.

Variable expenses (renovation phases)

Draw, repay, redraw during the draw period. Cash-out gives you the lump sum once.

Program details

What the lenders actually require.

CLTV
Combined loan-to-value typically 85–90% primary, 75% investment.
Credit score
Most programs 680+. Best pricing 720+.
Draw period
10 years typical — interest-only on drawn balance.
Repayment
20 years P&I after draw period closes.
Rate type
Variable (Prime + margin) on most. A few fixed-rate HELOCs available.
Property type
Primary mostly. Second home and investment HELOCs available (limited lenders).
Next step

Don't refinance what you don't have to.

If you have a sub-5% first-lien, send the loan details. We'll model HELOC vs cash-out side-by-side. Often the answer is HELOC, often by a wide margin.

Get my comparison(407) 201-4403
No credit pull · No application fee · Equal Housing Opportunity