Home Equity Calculator
Determine the current financial value you hold in your property.
What is Home Equity?
Home equity represents the portion of your property that you truly "own." It is the difference between the current fair market value of your home and the total amount you still owe on any mortgages or liens secured by the property. As you pay down your loan or as the market value of your home increases, your equity grows.
How to Calculate Home Equity
The mathematical formula for calculating home equity is straightforward:
Home Equity = Current Market Value – Total Mortgage Balance
To find your market value, you can look at recent sales of similar homes in your area (comps) or hire a professional appraiser. Your mortgage balance can be found on your most recent monthly statement or by logging into your lender's portal.
Realistic Example
Imagine you purchased a home for $400,000 several years ago. You have been making consistent payments, and your remaining loan balance is now $300,000. However, the local real estate market has improved, and your home is now valued at $500,000.
- Market Value: $500,000
- Mortgage Balance: $300,000
- Calculation: $500,000 – $300,000 = $200,000
In this scenario, you have $200,000 in home equity, which equates to 40% of the home's value.
Why Home Equity Matters
Understanding your equity position is crucial for several financial strategies:
- HELOCs and Home Equity Loans: Lenders typically allow you to borrow against your equity once it exceeds 20%.
- Eliminating PMI: Once your equity reaches 20% (an 80% LTV ratio), you can often request the removal of Private Mortgage Insurance.
- Selling Strategy: Equity determines the "net proceeds" you will receive after paying off your mortgage and closing costs when you sell the home.