Equity Access Tool
The "Golden Handcuff" Solver
You have a 3% rate but need cash. Should you refinance the whole loan, or layer a HELOC on top? Let's calculate your true "blended rate."
1. Your Current Loan
2. The Cash You Need
3. Market Rates
Your “blended” rate
4.100%
Recommendation: Keep your loan.
5-year interest cost — lower is better
One new loan of $500,000 at 6.750% · $3,243/mo
Keep $400,000 at 3.000% + $100,000 at 8.500% · $2,455/mo
Analyst Insights
- Target refi rate
- 4.121%
- Max tolerable HELOC rate
- 21.457%
Don't refinance everything until market rates drop below this.
Above this, the blended strategy stops beating a full refinance.
Disclaimer: Interest comparisons assume both strategies amortize over 30 years and ignore closing costs, which materially affect the break-even. HELOCs typically carry variable rates that adjust with the Prime Rate; the figures above hold the rate constant for comparison. This is not a loan approval or a commitment to lend.
Custom Analysis
Access your equity today.
Whether it's a HELOC, a fixed second, or a strategic cash-out refinance, I can help you structure the debt correctly.
- Your scenario is attached automatically
- Reply within one business day
- No credit pull to get a quote
Loans by Vai
Understanding Your Leverage
Most homeowners feel trapped by their low interest rate. The blended rate strategy unlocks your equity without sacrificing your primary mortgage.
The Blended Rate
This is the weighted average of your large, low-rate primary mortgage and your smaller, higher-rate HELOC. Often the result is far lower than current market rates.
HELOC Strategy
A home equity line of credit lets you borrow only what you need. You keep your 3% rate on the bulk of the debt and pay the higher rate only on the cash you take out.
The Break-Even
Sometimes a full cash-out refinance genuinely is better. This tool finds the exact rate at which it makes sense to let go of your old loan.
Access your equity today.
Whether it's a HELOC, a fixed second, or a strategic cash-out refinance, I can help you structure the debt correctly.