Find the smartest way
to tap into your home equity
Compare HELOC, Home Equity Loan, and Cash-Out Refinance side-by-side. See which option fits your goals — in under 3 minutes, no obligation.
How It Works
Three simple steps to your best home equity option.
Enter Your Details
Tell us about your home, current mortgage, and what matters most — lowest payment, least interest, or flexibility.
Compare Side-by-Side
We run the numbers on HELOC, Home Equity Loan, and Cash-Out Refi using illustrative market rates, plus any competitor quotes you have.
Get Your Quote
See your best match instantly, then request a personalized quote from a licensed loan officer at Shield Home Loans.
Learn the Basics
Three powerful ways to access your home's equity — explained in plain English.
HELOC
Home Equity Line of Credit
Think of a HELOC like a credit card secured by your home. You're approved for a maximum credit limit, and you borrow only what you need, when you need it. During the "draw period," you can borrow, repay, and re-borrow freely.
How it works
Best for
Ongoing projects, emergency funds, or anyone who wants flexible access to cash without taking a lump sum.
Did you know? Fixed-Rate HELOC Options
Many HELOCs offer a fixed-rate conversion — you can lock all or part of your balance into a fixed rate with full principal & interest payments, just like a traditional loan.
- Lock in a fixed rate on draws you've already taken
- Pay principal + interest on the locked portion
- Keep the variable-rate line open for future draws
- Best of both worlds: flexibility + payment certainty
Home Equity Loan
Also called a HELOAN or second mortgage
A Home Equity Loan gives you a single lump-sum payment with a fixed interest rate and predictable monthly payments. Your existing mortgage stays untouched — this is a separate, standalone loan.
How it works
Best for
Large one-time expenses like home renovations, debt consolidation, or major purchases where you know exactly how much you need.
Cash-Out Refinance
Replace your existing mortgage with a new, larger one
A cash-out refinance pays off your current mortgage and replaces it with a new, bigger loan — you keep the difference in cash. Because it is a first mortgage, it typically offers the lowest rate of the three options, but you are resetting your entire loan term.
How it works
Best for
Homeowners who can also lower their current rate — if today's rates beat what you have, you save on your whole mortgage while pulling cash out at the same time.
HELOC vs. Home Equity Loan vs. Cash-Out Refinance
Clear Side-by-Side Comparisons
See HELOC, home equity loan, and cash-out refinance options together, with the tradeoffs explained in plain language.
Built Around Your Goals
Compare options based on what matters most to you — monthly payment, total interest, available cash, or flexibility.
Licensed Guidance When You Want It
Review your results with a licensed Shield Home Loans loan officer when you're ready. No obligation.
Ready to find your best option?
It takes less than 3 minutes. No obligation. See the tradeoffs clearly before choosing an option.
Start Free ComparisonMortgage Compass Pro is provided by SHIELD HOME LOANS INC, a residential mortgage company. Kyle Kiekenapp NMLS #1163566. Company NMLS #2396589. Contact: (888) 819-9981, (949) 979-6519. Address: 32 Discovery, Suite 170, Irvine, CA 92618.
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