How Much Equity Do You Have?
Enter your home value and mortgage balance to instantly see your equity position, LTV ratio, borrowing room, and PMI status. No signup, no bank affiliation.
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Total Equity
$170,000
37.8% of home value
LTV Ratio
62.2%
Primary mortgage only
CLTV Ratio
62.2%
All liens combined
Strong equity. Eligible for most HELOCs and home equity loans at competitive rates.
Borrowing Room (80% CLTV)
$80,000
Borrowing Room (85% CLTV)
$102,500
PMI Status
Eligible for removal
Equity Milestones
What Your LTV Ratio Means
Your loan-to-value ratio determines which products you can access and what rates you will pay.
Excellent position. You qualify for the best possible rates and terms on HELOCs and home equity loans. All equity products are available to you.
Strong equity. You are eligible for most HELOCs and home equity loans at competitive rates. Approaching the PMI removal threshold if you still pay PMI.
Moderate equity. PMI may still apply on your primary mortgage. Some lenders will offer equity products but at higher rates with stricter terms.
Limited equity. Most home equity products are unavailable. Focus on building equity through payments and appreciation before considering borrowing.
How Home Equity Is Calculated
Home Equity = Current Home Value - Total Mortgage Balances
Example: $450,000 home value - $280,000 mortgage = $170,000 equity (37.8%)
Where to Find Your Mortgage Balance
- 1. Your monthly mortgage statement lists the current principal balance
- 2. Log in to your mortgage servicer website for a real-time balance
- 3. Call your servicer and request the payoff amount for the most accurate figure
How to Estimate Your Home Value
- 1. Recent appraisal is the most reliable source, especially if within the past 12 months
- 2. Online estimators from Zillow, Redfin, or Realtor.com provide reasonable ballpark figures
- 3. County tax assessor records show assessed value, though this often lags market value
- 4. Comparable sales of similar homes in your neighbourhood over the past 3-6 months
National Home Equity Snapshot
$302,000
Average homeowner equity
46%
Mortgaged homes that are equity-rich (LTV below 50%)
$17.1T
Total US home equity (Q3 2025)
Source: CoreLogic and ATTOM Data Solutions, Q3 2025. See equity by state.
Explore Your Equity Position
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I calculate how much equity I have in my home?
Home equity equals your home's current market value minus all outstanding mortgage balances. If your home is worth $450,000 and you owe $280,000, your equity is $170,000 (about 37.8% of the home's value). You can find your mortgage balance on your monthly statement or servicer website, and estimate your home value through a recent appraisal, comparable sales, or online estimators.
What is a good LTV ratio?
An LTV below 80% is generally considered good because it means you own at least 20% of your home, qualifies you for PMI removal, and gives you access to home equity products at competitive rates. Below 60% LTV is excellent and opens the best rates and terms. Above 80% limits your borrowing options and means PMI may still apply.
What is the difference between LTV and CLTV?
LTV (loan-to-value) uses only your primary mortgage balance divided by home value. CLTV (combined loan-to-value) includes all liens against your home: primary mortgage, second mortgage, HELOC, and any other secured debt. When you apply for a HELOC or second mortgage, lenders use your CLTV to determine how much additional borrowing room you have.
How much of my equity can I borrow?
Most lenders allow borrowing up to 80-85% of your home's value in total (your existing mortgage plus the new loan). This means your combined loan-to-value ratio must stay at or below 80-85%. For example, if your home is worth $400,000 and you owe $250,000 (62.5% LTV), you could potentially borrow up to $70,000-$90,000 through a HELOC or home equity loan.
When can I cancel PMI on my mortgage?
You can request PMI cancellation when your LTV reaches 80% of the original purchase price. Under the Homeowners Protection Act, your lender must automatically cancel PMI when your balance drops to 78% of the original purchase price. If your home has appreciated significantly, you may be able to get PMI removed earlier by ordering a new appraisal showing the current LTV is below 80% based on market value.
How fast does home equity build?
Home equity grows through two channels: principal paydown from your monthly mortgage payments, and home value appreciation. In the early years of a mortgage, most of your payment goes to interest, so equity builds slowly. The national average home appreciation rate is roughly 3-5% per year, but this varies significantly by market. Making extra principal payments can significantly accelerate equity growth.
Can I lose my home if I default on a HELOC?
Yes. Both HELOCs and home equity loans are secured by your home as collateral. If you stop making payments, the lender can foreclose. This is different from unsecured debt like credit cards. Only borrow what you can comfortably repay and have a clear repayment plan before tapping your equity.
What is the average home equity in the United States?
As of Q3 2025, the average American homeowner has approximately $302,000 in equity. About 46% of mortgaged homes are equity-rich, meaning they have an LTV below 50%. Total US home equity stands at roughly $17.1 trillion. However, equity varies dramatically by state and local market conditions.