Home Equity Rate Calculator
Use this calculator to determine your current home equity rate, which represents the percentage of your home's value that you own outright. This is calculated by subtracting your outstanding mortgage balance from your home's current market value.
Understanding Home Equity Rate
Your Home Equity Rate is a crucial metric for homeowners. It indicates how much of your home's current market value you truly own, free and clear of any mortgage debt. A higher equity rate signifies a stronger financial position in your property.
How it's Calculated:
The calculation is straightforward:
Home Equity Rate (%) = ((Current Home Value – Outstanding Mortgage Balance) / Current Home Value) * 100
- Current Home Value: This is the estimated market price of your home at the present time. It can be based on recent appraisals, comparative market analyses (CMAs), or the prices of similar homes sold in your area.
- Outstanding Mortgage Balance: This is the total amount of money you still owe on your mortgage loan(s).
Why is it Important?
Your home equity rate impacts several financial aspects:
- Refinancing: Lenders often look at your equity when considering mortgage refinancing. Higher equity can lead to better interest rates and terms.
- Home Equity Loans and HELOCs: To borrow against your home's equity, you'll need sufficient equity. The amount you can borrow is typically a percentage of your equity.
- Selling Your Home: A high equity rate means you'll keep a larger portion of the sale proceeds after paying off your mortgage and closing costs.
- Financial Health: A growing equity rate over time is a positive sign of your home's appreciation and your debt reduction efforts.
Example:
Let's say your home is currently valued at $450,000, and you still owe $200,000 on your mortgage.
Home Equity = $450,000 – $200,000 = $250,000
Home Equity Rate = ($250,000 / $450,000) * 100 = 55.56%
In this scenario, you have 55.56% equity in your home.