{"id":182816,"date":"2025-05-15T11:48:44","date_gmt":"2025-05-15T17:48:44","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.biggerpockets.com\/blog\/?p=182816"},"modified":"2025-05-16T11:56:14","modified_gmt":"2025-05-16T17:56:14","slug":"the-fastest-way-to-access-equity-in-your-investment-property-without-selling-it","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.biggerpockets.com\/blog\/the-fastest-way-to-access-equity-in-your-investment-property-without-selling-it","title":{"rendered":"The Fastest Way to Access Equity in Your Investment Property (Without Selling It)"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">You\u2019ve got your eye on the next deal. Maybe it\u2019s a fixer-upper with <\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">great<\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"> upside or a turnkey rental in the right neighborhood.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">You\u2019ve run the numbers, and you\u2019re ready to move. But there\u2019s one problem: You need capital.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Most investors in this position <\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">start looking<\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"> outward at <\/span><a class=\"editor-rtfLink\" href=\"https:\/\/www.biggerpockets.com\/real-estate-companies\/hard-money-lenders\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">hard money lenders<\/span><\/a><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">, other private money, or partnerships. Maybe there is <\/span><a class=\"editor-rtfLink\" href=\"https:\/\/www.biggerpockets.com\/blog\/what-is-home-equity\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">equity<\/span><\/a><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"> sitting in your house, but you don\u2019t want to refinance because you have a low interest rate and <\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">you<\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"> don\u2019t want to sell.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Luckily, there is a solution: a <\/span><a class=\"editor-rtfLink\" href=\"https:\/\/www.biggerpockets.com\/blog\/what-is-a-heloc\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">HELOC<\/span><\/a><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">. Using a home equity line of credit (HELOC) on your primary residence could be the fastest, most flexible way to fund your next deal\u2014whether it\u2019s the down payment, rehab, or even the entire purchase. And with lenders like <\/span><a class=\"editor-rtfLink\" href=\"https:\/\/www.figure.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Figure<\/span><\/a><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">, you can apply in minutes and access that equity in just days\u2014not weeks.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Let\u2019s <\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">break down<\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"> why a HELOC can be so powerful for investors and how to know if this strategy is right for you.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Why a HELOC Makes Sense for Real Estate Investors<\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">As an investor, flexibility is everything. The best deals don\u2019t wait around for slow approvals or complicated funding.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">That\u2019s why a HELOC is such a powerful tool.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Whether you\u2019re trying to cover a down payment, fund a renovation, or even purchase a property outright, a HELOC gives you options. You\u2019re borrowing against the equity you <\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">already<\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"> own, so you\u2019re not draining your savings or scrambling to pull money from multiple sources.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Plus, you\u2019re not disturbing your existing mortgage. That\u2019s a big win, especially if you locked in a low rate on your primary residence and don\u2019t want to touch it. A HELOC leaves your first loan intact and adds a separate line of credit based on your home\u2019s current value.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Here\u2019s the key for investors: This is your capital, backed by your asset, on your terms. No partners, profit splits, inspections, or approvals for what the money <\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">is used<\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"> for\u2014just access to money you already have that works for you.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">As an investor, you want to move forward <\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">and not <\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">be<\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"> stuck<\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"> in the admin work. A Figure HELOC can help you move faster and keep the deal <\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">flow going<\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">How to Know If You Have Equity to Tap Into<\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Before <\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">you can open<\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"> a HELOC, you need to know how much equity you <\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">actually<\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"> have in your home.<\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"> The good news? It\u2019s easier to figure out than you might think.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">A lender like Figure will do their <\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">own<\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"> in-house underwriting to determine your home\u2019s value. So, if you are unsure how much equity you have available, they will assist!&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">We can use this basic formula to get an idea. Here it is:<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><em><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Home value \u2013 loan balance = Equity<\/span><\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Let\u2019s say your home is worth $450,000, and you owe $300,000 on your mortgage. That means you have $150,000 in equity. But you won\u2019t be able to borrow all of it.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Most lenders will allow you to borrow up to 80% to 85% of your home\u2019s value, including your current mortgage balance. <\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">That means in<\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"> this example, your total borrowing limit would fall between $360,000 and $382,500. Subtract your <\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">existing<\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"> loan balance ($300,000), and your HELOC could give you access to somewhere between $60,000 and $82,500 in usable funds. Not bad for the equity you already have sitting in your home.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">If you\u2019re not sure what your property is currently worth, you can:<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Check recent comps in your neighborhood.<\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Use online valuation tools for a rough estimate.<\/span><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Let your HELOC lender order an appraisal or AVM (automated valuation model).<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">And if you\u2019re applying with a lender like Figure, that entire process is streamlined. Their tech-driven platform helps you estimate your equity and start the application in just minutes\u2014so you\u2019ll know quickly whether this strategy can work for you.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">The Big Advantage: Speed and Simplicity<\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">A lot of<\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"> investors like the idea of using a HELOC\u2014until they run into the traditional lender process: paperwork, appointments, weeks of waiting, and then\u2026maybe you\u2019re approved, <\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">maybe<\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"> you\u2019re not. But by the time you find out, the deal is long gone.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">That\u2019s why speed matters. When a good property hits the market <\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">or<\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"> a contractor can start work next week, you can\u2019t afford to be stuck chasing a loan officer for an update.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">This<\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"> is where Figure makes a real difference. <\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Their<\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"> HELOC process is entirely digital, designed to move as fast as you do. You can apply online, check your rates, and get an approval decision as quickly as five minutes. Traditional lenders may require in-person engagement, emails with constant questions, and document requests. With Figure, everything is 100% online, and you can see your rate instantly. Rates are fixed, unlike other lenders who offer HELOCs with variable rates.&nbsp; And once approved, funding can happen fast, often in as few as five business days versus weeks with traditional HELOCs. One significant difference with Figure is that there is never any payment penalty. That is not always the case with other lenders for HELOCs or <\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">even<\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"> personal loans.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">That kind of turnaround is almost unheard of in traditional lending<\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">\u2014and it\u2019s <\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">exactly<\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"> what<\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"> makes this strategy so effective for real estate investors.<\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"> You\u2019re not waiting on someone else\u2019s schedule or submitting mountains of paperwork. You\u2019re using a tool that gets you to the closing table faster, using <\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">equity<\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"> you already own. When speed is the difference between landing a deal or losing it, that advantage is everything.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Use the Equity You Already Have to Grow Your Portfolio<\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">If you\u2019re an investor looking to fund your next deal, a home equity line of credit could be one of the <\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">smartest<\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"> tools <\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">at your disposal<\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">We covered why a modern HELOC&nbsp; has unmatched flexibility for real estate investors and how to calculate the equity you <\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">might be able to<\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"> access from your primary residence. Instead of refinancing your mortgage or selling a property, a HELOC lets you borrow against your home\u2019s value\u2014on your terms. Whether you\u2019re covering a down payment, renovation, or even a <\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">full<\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"> purchase, it\u2019s a fast, efficient way to put your existing equity to work.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">And if you want to avoid the slow, paperwork-heavy process most lenders require, Figure makes it easy. <\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">You can apply in minutes, get approved the same day, and get funded in as little as five days<\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">\u2014all<\/span><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\"> without leaving your house.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">Want to see how much equity you could access? Start exploring your options with Figure at <\/span><a class=\"editor-rtfLink\" href=\"https:\/\/www.figure.com\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">figure.com<\/span><\/a><span data-preserver-spaces=\"true\">\u2014and take the next step toward funding your next deal.<\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>You\u2019ve got your eye on the next deal. Maybe it\u2019s a fixer-upper with great upside or a turnkey rental in the right neighborhood.&nbsp; You\u2019ve run the numbers, and you\u2019re ready [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":273816,"featured_media":154892,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[5530],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-182816","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-real-estate-financing"],"acf":[],"comment_count":0,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.biggerpockets.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/182816","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.biggerpockets.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.biggerpockets.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.biggerpockets.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/273816"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.biggerpockets.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=182816"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.biggerpockets.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/182816\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.biggerpockets.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/154892"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.biggerpockets.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=182816"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.biggerpockets.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=182816"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.biggerpockets.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=182816"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}