Homeowner Finance · Education & Referral

The equity in your home is a financial tool. Understand it before you use it.

Millions of homeowners are sitting on value they've built for years. BrakeDebt explains the ways to access it — in plain English — and connects you with participating partners who can discuss your specific situation.

See My Options Read the Guide

Free to use · Takes about 2 minutes

Plain-English Guidance

No jargon, no pressure. We explain how each option actually works — including the trade-offs.

More Than One Path

Cash-out refinancing isn't the only way to access equity. We cover the alternatives too.

Consent-First

You decide who contacts you. Every submission is made with clear, documented consent.

Know Your Options

Four common ways to access home equity

Each works differently. The right fit depends on your goals, your current rate, and how much equity you have.

Cash-Out Refinance Replace your existing mortgage with a new, larger one and take the difference in cash. Best when you can keep a competitive rate on the whole balance.
Home Equity Loan A separate second loan against your equity, paid back in fixed monthly installments. Your first mortgage stays exactly as it is.
Home Equity Line of Credit (HELOC) A revolving line you draw from as needed, similar to a credit card secured by your home. You only pay interest on what you use.
Home Equity Investment (HEI) Receive a lump sum today in exchange for a share of your home's future value — with no monthly payments. A newer option worth understanding if fixed payments don't fit your budget.

Simple By Design

How BrakeDebt works

We're an educational and referral resource — we don't make loans. Here's what actually happens.

Estimate your equity

Tell us your approximate home value and what you still owe. That difference is your starting point.

Answer a few questions

A short questionnaire about your property, goals, and situation — about two minutes, at your own pace.

Get connected

Based on your answers, we may connect you with a participating partner who can walk through options that fit your situation.

Featured Guide

How homeowners are tapping into their equity in 2026

A no-jargon breakdown of the four options homeowners ask about most — what each one is, when it makes sense, and what to watch out for.

Read the guide →

Good Questions

Frequently asked

Straight answers to the things homeowners ask us most.

Is BrakeDebt a lender?

No. BrakeDebt is an informational and lead-referral service. We don't make loans, approve applications, or guarantee eligibility for any program. Based on your answers, we may connect you with a participating partner who can discuss your options directly.

Does it cost anything to use?

No — our questionnaire and guides are free to use, and completing them doesn't obligate you to anything.

What happens after I answer the questions?

If your situation matches what a participating partner offers, they may reach out to walk through your options. You control that: contact only happens with your clear, documented consent, which you can revoke at any time.

Which option is right for me?

It genuinely depends on your goals, your current mortgage rate, and how much equity you have. Our homeowner guide compares the four most common options in plain English — that's the best place to start.

Curious what your equity could do?

Start with a quick estimate. No obligation — just a clearer picture of where you stand.

See My Options

Free to use · Takes about 2 minutes