Tapping Your Home Equity
Learn about you financing options, tax advantages and how to shop for the best loan for your needs.
Home equity loans and lines of credit are increasingly becoming the debt of choice for big-ticket purchases, such as home improvements, college tuition, new cars and even paying off other debt.
It's easy to understand why. Interest on most home equity loans is fully deductible on your tax return while interest on other forms of consumer debt is not.
Responding to the increased demand, banks are offering a wide array of enticing options to make it easier for homeowners to get at their equity.

Sign up for Kiplinger’s Free E-Newsletters
Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice on investing, taxes, retirement, personal finance and more - straight to your e-mail.
Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice - straight to your e-mail.
In this tutorial we'll explain some of those options, look at the tax advantages and tell you how to shop for the best loan.
- Loan Versus Line of Credit
The correct choice will depend on your needs and self-discipline. - How to Find the Best Deal
Consider these factors to zero in on the best loan for you. - Full Refinancing
This can give you access to your equity and a cheaper interest rate. If you stay put long enough, the extra fees may be worth it. - Re-Shopping Your Mortgage
Learn how to get the best deal and avoid surprises. - Best home equity rates in your area
Get Kiplinger Today newsletter — free
Profit and prosper with the best of Kiplinger's advice on investing, taxes, retirement, personal finance and much more. Delivered daily. Enter your email in the box and click Sign Me Up.
-
Stock Market Today: Stocks Gain on Tech, Auto Tariff Talk
The Trump administration said late Friday that it will temporarily halt tariffs on some Chinese tech imports.
By Karee Venema
-
Sam's Club Plans Aggressive Expansion: Discover Its New Locations
Sam's Club expansion plans will open up to 15 new stores each year. Learn where they plan to open in 2025.
By Sean Jackson
-
What To Know if You’re in the Market for a New Car This Year
The Kiplinger Letter Buying a new car will get a little easier, but don’t expect many deals.
By David Payne
-
Will Lower Mortgage Rates Bring Relief to the Housing Market?
The Kiplinger Letter As mortgage rates slowly come down here's what to expect in the housing market over the next year or so.
By Rodrigo Sermeño
-
Car Prices Are Finally Coming Down
The Kiplinger Letter For the first time in years, it may be possible to snag a good deal on a new car.
By David Payne
-
New Graduates Navigate a Challenging Labor Market
The Kiplinger Letter Things are getting tough for new graduates. Job offers are drying up and the jobless rate is increasing. Are internships the answer?
By David Payne
-
When's the Best Time to Buy a Domestic Flight? The Kiplinger Letter
The Kiplinger Letter A new study by CheapAir.com has crunched the numbers.
By Sean Lengell
-
Woes Continue for Banking Sector: The Kiplinger Letter
The Kiplinger Letter Regional bank stocks were hammered recently after news of New York Community Bank’s big fourth-quarter loss.
By Rodrigo Sermeño
-
Anxious Flyers Take Note: The Kiplinger Letter
The Kiplinger Letter Whether it's the routes to avoid that have the most turbulence or the safest airline, we've got you covered.
By Sean Lengell
-
The Auto Industry Outlook for 2024
The Kiplinger Letter Here's what to expect in the auto industry this year. If you’re in the market for a car it won’t be quite as daunting as it was during the pandemic and after.
By David Payne