HELOC Borrowing Power Calculator
Estimate how much equity you can access from your home.
Your HELOC Estimate
*This is an estimate. Lenders also consider credit scores, debt-to-income (DTI) ratios, and verified appraisals.
How a HELOC Calculator Works
A Home Equity Line of Credit (HELOC) is a revolving credit line 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 works more like a credit card where you can draw funds as needed.
This calculator uses the Combined Loan-to-Value (CLTV) method to determine your borrowing limit. Most lenders allow a CLTV of up to 80% or 85%, meaning the total amount of debt secured by your home (including your first mortgage and the HELOC) cannot exceed that percentage of your home's current market value.
The HELOC Formula
(Home Value × Max LTV Ratio) – Current Mortgage Balance = Available HELOC Amount
Real-World Example
Let's say your home is currently worth $400,000 and you still owe $250,000 on your primary mortgage. If your lender offers a maximum CLTV of 80%, the calculation would look like this:
- Step 1: Calculate total borrowing capacity ($400,000 × 0.80 = $320,000).
- Step 2: Subtract existing debt ($320,000 – $250,000 = $70,000).
- Result: Your estimated HELOC limit is $70,000.
Factors That Influence Your HELOC Approval
While equity is the primary driver, lenders look at several other financial metrics before approving a line of credit:
- Credit Score: Most lenders require a score of 680 or higher to qualify for the best interest rates and higher LTV limits.
- Debt-to-Income (DTI) Ratio: Lenders prefer a DTI below 43%. This represents the percentage of your gross monthly income that goes toward paying debts.
- Appraisal: Your "Estimated Home Value" is just an estimate until a professional appraiser verifies the market value of your property.
- Income Stability: Proof of consistent income is necessary to ensure you can make the monthly payments during the repayment period.
HELOC Draw Period vs. Repayment Period
It is important to understand the two phases of a HELOC:
- Draw Period: Usually the first 10 years. You can take money out as needed and typically only pay interest on the amount you've borrowed.
- Repayment Period: Usually the following 10 to 20 years. You can no longer draw money, and you must pay back both the principal and interest.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a HELOC with 90% LTV?
While most lenders cap at 80-85%, some credit unions and specialized lenders offer HELOCs up to 90% LTV, though these often come with higher interest rates and require excellent credit scores.
Are HELOC interest rates fixed or variable?
Most HELOCs have variable interest rates tied to the U.S. Prime Rate. This means your monthly payments could increase or decrease over time based on market conditions.
Is the interest on a HELOC tax-deductible?
According to the IRS, interest on home equity debt is generally only deductible if the funds are used to buy, build, or substantially improve the home that secures the loan. Consult with a tax professional for your specific situation.