Home equity loans and home equity lines of credit (HELOCs) allow homeowners to tap into the value of their homes. A home equity loan is a fixed-rate, lump-sum loan that allows homeowners to borrow up to 85% of their home’s value and pay that amount back in monthly installments.

A $90,000 home equity loan comes with affordable monthly payments if secured now. Here's what to expect each month.

Compare two options for accessing the cash in your home — cash-out refinancing or home equity loans — to pay for renovations, consolidate debt or support education expenses. Includes pros, cons and who they're best for.

For example, a $100,000 home equity loan can provide the capital needed for substantial home improvements, debt consolidation or other significant financial needs — and considering that the average homeowner has over three times that amount of equity currently,