Your Home’s Hidden Value: How to Build and Leverage Home Equity

Home equity can be a confusing topic for many homeowners, especially those new to the world of real estate. It is important to understand the concept of home equity and how it can benefit you as a homeowner.

In this blog post, we will break down the basics of home equity and explain how it works, how to build it, and why it’s valuable for homeowners. Whether you’re a first-time homebuyer or a seasoned homeowner, we will dive into all the information you need to make the most informed decisions about your home and your finances. 

What is Home Equity?

Home equity is typically the difference between the value of a home and the outstanding balance on the mortgage. It is essentially the portion of the home that a homeowner owns outright. Home equity is an excellent tool for homeowners to increase their net worth and potentially secure financial stability.

One way to build home equity is by making regular mortgage payments. As the outstanding balance on the mortgage is paid down, the amount of equity a homeowner has in their home increases. 

Another way to build equity in a home is through the value of the home increasing. For example, the value of a home can increase through home improvements. When the value of a home increases, the amount of equity a homeowner has in their home will also increase. 

Why is Home Equity Important?

Home equity is much more than just a number – it’s a valuable tool for homeowners to use for a variety of purposes. When you have equity in your home, depending on the amount, you have access to a source of funds that can be used for all kinds of things. 

For example, homeowners can use their equity to pay for future home renovations, pay for college tuition, or even purchase a second property. In addition, having equity in a home can also make it easier to secure financing for other big-ticket items, like a car or a small business loan. Many homeowners choose to build up their home equity and then use that money to put a down payment on their next house when they decide to move somewhere else. 

Building Home Equity Versus Renting 

Compared to spending money on renting, building equity in a home has the potential to be a more financially savvy move for many people. If you’re interested in home ownership, you’ll want to consider the value that home equity can add to your experience of owning your house. 

As a homeowner, you are paying a mortgage, which is an investment. With each mortgage payment, you are building equity and increasing your net worth. In contrast, when you rent, you may not be building equity, but your money is going toward things like maintenance and amenities. Depending on your stage of life and your family’s needs, you may find renting a better option than buying or buying better than renting. 

Making the Most of Your Home Equity

Whether you’re working on building up your home’s equity, planning to use it to fund a project, or learning about home equity for the first time, there is considerable value to be found in understanding how it works. 

No matter how you choose to use (or save) the equity in your home, knowing your options can help you make better financial decisions and ultimately use your home equity to your advantage. 

If you’re considering using your home equity to purchase a new home, reach out to our team at Coldwell Banker Elite. Our seasoned real estate experts will help you find the right fit for your family and make the most of your investment in your home!