How Much Money Do I ACTUALLY Get using a HELOC?

How much HELOC do you really qualify for in 2025? In this episode of The Clear Close, we run hypothetical scenarios grounded in real life examples of homeowners with strong equity but very different income, credit, and debt profiles and see how much HELOC cash they can get access to.

Too many people looking for a HELOC assume their Zestimate = free cash. The reality? HELOC's, HELOAN's and other Mortgage Products are LOANS. Lenders look at credit score, income stability, and debt-to-income ratios — not just home value.

👉 In this video, you’ll learn:
-How lenders calculate your HELOC limit in 2025
-The 3 main factors: equity, credit score, and debt-to-income
-Real examples: free-and-clear homes, high earners with big debts, and families with mid-tier credit
-Why “capacity is as important as collateral” when borrowing
-When to consider debt consolidation vs refinance vs HELOAN
-Smart strategies to maximize cash flow and protect your mortgage

📈 Whether you’re planning a home renovation, consolidating debt, or investing in real estate, this breakdown will help you know your number before applying. The Clear Close has helped hundreds of homeowners safely tap into their home equity. Use the links below to schedule a call with The Clear Close:

📅 Schedule a 1-on-1 call: https://apply.theclearclose.com/meet
📈 Learn about DSCR & Non-QM: https://www.getclearclose.com/cc-dscr...

Questions we answer:
How much cash can I get with a HELOC?
Do I qualify for a HELOC in 2025?
What credit score do I need for a HELOC?
Can I get a HELOC with bad credit?
Is a HELOC better than a refinance in 2025?
How does my income affect HELOC approval?
Can retirees qualify for a HELOC?
How much equity do I need to get a HELOC?
What’s the difference between HELOC and HELOAN?
Can I use a HELOC to buy another house?
Are HELOC interest rates fixed or variable in 2025?
How do banks decide my HELOC limit?
Can I get denied for a HELOC even with equity?
Is a HELOC good for debt consolidation?
How do HELOC repayments work?
Can I lose my house with a HELOC?
Is a HELOC better than a cash-out refinance?
What are the risks of getting a HELOC?
How long does it take to get a HELOC approved?
What’s the maximum loan-to-value ratio for a HELOC in 2025?

Chapters:
00:00 Intro: Why Equity Alone Doesn’t Qualify You
00:35 The Myth of “Free Equity” Explained
01:37 What Lenders Really Look At (Beyond Home Value)
02:39 Scenario 1: Free & Clear Home, Great Credit, Limited Income
05:04 Scenario 2: Solid Equity, High Income, and Good Credit (700 FICO)
08:28 “Capacity vs Collateral” – The Golden Rule of Lending
08:59 Scenario 3: High Equity & Income but Mid-Tier Credit (670 FICO)
10:09 How Life Events Can Crash Your Credit Overnight
11:40 Why Ratios Matter More Than Equity in 2025
12:26 Final Advice: Know Your Number Before You Borrow
13:05 Next Steps + Related HELOC Videos

The Clear Close (DBA of West Capital Lending, Inc.) is an Equal Housing Lender; NMLS - 1566096

Jason Kim - NMLS 1680429 | DRE 02178073
Peter Ahn - NMLS 2664403 | DRE 02252395

https://westcapitallending.com/licensing
https://westcapitallending.com/texas-...
https://nmlsconsumeraccess.org

HELOC으로 얼마나 현금을 받을 수 있나요?
2025년에 HELOC 자격이 될까요?
HELOC을 받으려면 몇 점의 신용 점수가 필요하나요?
신용 점수가 낮아도 HELOC을 받을 수 있나요?
2025년에 HELOC이 재융자보다 더 나은가요?
소득이 HELOC 승인에 어떤 영향을 주나요?
은퇴자도 HELOC 자격이 될 수 있나요?
HELOC을 받으려면 얼마나 많은 주택 자산이 필요하나요?
HELOC과 HELOAN의 차이점은 무엇인가요?
HELOC으로 다른 집을 살 수 있나요?
2025년 HELOC 이자는 고정인가요, 변동인가요?
은행은 제 HELOC 한도를 어떻게 결정하나요?
주택 자산이 있어도 HELOC 거절될 수 있나요?
HELOC이 부채 통합에 좋은가요?
HELOC 상환 방식은 어떻게 되나요?
HELOC 때문에 집을 잃을 수도 있나요?
HELOC이 현금 인출 재융자보다 더 나은가요?
HELOC을 받을 때 어떤 위험이 있나요?
HELOC 승인을 받으려면 얼마나 걸리나요?
2025년 HELOC의 최대 담보인정비율(LTV)은 얼마인가요?

Disclaimer:
The information provided in this video is for educational and informational purposes only and should not be considered financial, legal, or investment advice. While we are licensed mortgage and real estate professionals, the content here is general in nature and may not apply to your specific situation. Always do your own research and consult with a qualified professional before making any financial decisions. By watching this video, you agree that we are not responsible for any financial outcomes based on the information provided.