Home Equity Ledger

HELOC or cash-out refinance?

Two ways to turn equity into cash. One keeps the mortgage you already have; the other replaces it. The cheaper monthly payment and the cheaper total interest are frequently not the same option.

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The HELOC is modeled as interest-only on the full draw, then fully amortized over the repayment period — with no further draws after year one. A cash-out refi replaces your mortgage entirely, so its clock restarts at the new term.