HELOC (Home Equity Line of Credit) Calculator
Available Credit: $0
Based on a ' + ltvLimit + '% LTV limit, you do not currently have enough equity to open a HELOC. Your current mortgage balance exceeds the maximum allowed borrowing amount.'; } else { resultDiv.style.backgroundColor = '#d4edda'; var formattedEquity = availableEquity.toLocaleString('en-US', { style: 'currency', currency: 'USD' }); var formattedMaxTotal = maxBorrowing.toLocaleString('en-US', { style: 'currency', currency: 'USD' }); resultDiv.innerHTML = 'Estimated HELOC Limit: ' + formattedEquity + '
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- Maximum Total Debt Allowed (' + ltvLimit + '%): ' + formattedMaxTotal + ' ' + '
- Current Mortgage Balance: -' + mortgageBalance.toLocaleString('en-US', { style: 'currency', currency: 'USD' }) + ' ' + '
- Your Potential Credit Line: ' + formattedEquity + ' ' + '
How Does a HELOC Calculator Work?
A Home Equity Line of Credit (HELOC) is a revolving line of credit that allows homeowners to borrow against the equity they have built in their property. Unlike a standard home equity loan, which provides a lump sum, a HELOC functions more like a credit card with a limit based on your home's value.
The HELOC Formula
Lenders typically use a specific calculation to determine how much you can borrow. This is based on your Loan-to-Value (LTV) ratio. The standard formula is:
(Home Value × Lender's Max LTV %) – Current Mortgage Balance = Max HELOC Amount
Realistic Example
Imagine your home is currently valued at $450,000 and you still owe $250,000 on your primary mortgage. If your lender allows an 80% LTV, the calculation would look like this:
- Step 1: $450,000 (Value) × 0.80 (LTV) = $360,000 (Maximum total debt allowed).
- Step 2: $360,000 – $250,000 (Current Balance) = $110,000.
In this scenario, you would be eligible for a HELOC of up to $110,000.
Key Factors That Influence Your HELOC Limit
- Combined Loan-to-Value (CLTV): This is the ratio of all loans on the property (first mortgage + desired HELOC) compared to the home's value. Most lenders prefer a CLTV under 85%.
- Appraised Value: While you can estimate your home value, the lender will require a professional appraisal to finalize the credit limit.
- Credit Score: A higher credit score may unlock higher LTV limits (up to 90% in some cases) and lower interest rates.
- Debt-to-Income (DTI) Ratio: Lenders review your monthly income versus your monthly debt payments to ensure you can handle the potential HELOC payments.
Pros and Cons of a HELOC
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Only pay interest on what you use. | Variable interest rates can increase. |
| Flexibility to borrow and repay repeatedly. | Your home is used as collateral. |
| Lower interest rates than credit cards. | Risk of overspending. |