HELOC (Home Equity Line of Credit) Calculator
Understanding Your Home Equity Line of Credit (HELOC)
A Home Equity Line of Credit (HELOC) is a revolving line of credit that uses your home as collateral. It functions similarly to a credit card, where you are approved for a specific limit and can draw from it as needed, paying back only what you spend plus interest.
How is a HELOC Calculated?
Lenders determine your HELOC limit by looking at your Combined Loan-to-Value (CLTV) ratio. This is the sum of all your home-related debts divided by the market value of your home. Most lenders allow for a maximum CLTV of 80%, though some may go higher depending on your credit score and income.
The math follows this logic:
- Step 1: Multiply your current home value by the lender's CLTV percentage.
- Step 2: Subtract your current mortgage balance from that number.
- Result: The remaining amount is your potential credit line.
HELOC Calculation Example
Let's say your home is currently valued at $450,000 and you still owe $280,000 on your primary mortgage. If your lender allows for an 80% CLTV, here is how they calculate your line of credit:
- $450,000 (Value) × 0.80 (CLTV) = $360,000 (Total Allowable Debt)
- $360,000 – $280,000 (Current Mortgage) = $80,000 HELOC Limit
Factors That Impact Your HELOC Eligibility
While equity is the primary driver, lenders also evaluate the following before approval:
- Credit Score: A higher score (typically 720+) usually yields lower interest rates and higher CLTV limits.
- Debt-to-Income (DTI) Ratio: Lenders want to ensure you have enough monthly income to cover your new HELOC payments alongside existing debts.
- Home Appraisal: The "home value" used in the calculation must be verified by a professional appraisal or an automated valuation model (AVM).
HELOC vs. Home Equity Loan
While both use your home as collateral, they differ significantly in structure:
| Feature | HELOC | Home Equity Loan |
|---|---|---|
| Payout | Revolving (as needed) | Lump Sum |
| Interest Rate | Variable (usually) | Fixed |
| Repayment | Interest-only draw period | Immediate P+I payments |