Why HELOC demand will surge
Didier Malagies • May 3, 2022
Between February 2020 and January 2022, we witnessed something in the mortgage industry that we thought we’d never see — 30-year fixed-rate mortgages under 3.5%. These rates drew a record number of people refinancing their homes, with cash out refinances reaching $1.2 trillion in 2021.
Then, in what felt like an instant, in Q1 2022 mortgage rates skyrocketed and the refi boom ended. As people look for alternate means to access the equity in their homes, home equity lines of credit (HELOCs) are poised to make a comeback. Here’s why:
Homeowners will still want to use the record levels of equity in their homes
The residential real estate industry faces an interesting dynamic of rising mortgage rates while, at the same time, homeowners have record equity in their homes. According to CNBC, homeowner equity is an aggregate $9.9 trillion. The average homeowner has about $185,000 in equity they can access while still keeping a 20% stake in their home.
Taking out a HELOC is a viable option for homeowners who want to keep their primary mortgage, and still tap the equity in their home.
A HELOC is now cheaper than a refi
While the interest rate on a HELOC today is probably higher than the rate on a primary mortgage, homeowners will likely to find that refinancing no longer makes mathematical sense.
Most households have a low rate on their primary mortgage, so doing a cash-out refi will yield a higher monthly payment than keeping the mortgage they already have and adding a HELOC on top.
For example, if a homeowner has a $400,000 mortgage at 3.25% and wants to tap another $100,000 of their equity, they might consider accessing $100,000 of equity through a HELOC versus a cash-out refi:
- Cash-out refi: Accessing $100,000 of equity would mean taking out a $500,000 mortgage at today’s rates, which are averaging over 5%. This will cost $2,684 per month.
- HELOC: If, instead, a homeowner simply adds a $100,000 HELOC at 5%, they’re looking at monthly payments totaling $2,157. Even a 7% HELOC will only cost $2,324 a month. Also, the homeowner is likely paying interest on less than $100,000, since they only pay interest on the amount of the HELOC that they’ve withdrawn. For instance, if the homeowner has only withdrawn $50,000 of the HELOC for a renovation or downpayment on a new home, the person would only be paying interest on the $50,000.
HELOCs offer flexibility
In the current market conditions, here are a couple of aspects of a HELOC homeowners will find most attractive:
First, HELOCs are arguably more flexible than a traditional cash-out refi. Once approved for a HELOC, they can access the line of credit as needed, as opposed to having cash sitting in a savings bank from a refi. In cases where the homeowner ends up needing to take only the minimum required draw from a HELOC, they would only end up paying back that part of the loan. In contrast, when they do a cash-out refi, they’re committed to paying the new principal and interest balance for the duration of the mortgage — likely 15 or 30 years.
Second, and very much related, the monthly payback amounts on HELOCs are more flexible. During months where you need additional capital to finance a home repair, or a move, they may choose to pay the interest only part of the loan.
For the foreseeable future, I anticipate HELOCs being the equity-access vehicle of choice for many U.S. homeowners. Much like 2021 was a record year for refinancing, 2022 could be a record year for HELOCs.
David Friedman is the CEO and co-founder of Knox Financial.
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Is Refinancing Right for You? Unlocking Cash & Financial Freedom Feeling squeezed? Juggling multiple debts with varying interest rates? Dreaming of that kitchen remodel you've been putting off? Or maybe you just need a little extra breathing room in your monthly budget? You're not alone. Many homeowners find themselves in situations where they need access to cash, and for a significant portion of them, the answer is refinancing their mortgage. In fact, last year, a whopping 40% of all mortgage activity was refinances! But what exactly is driving this trend, and could refinancing be the right move for you ? Refinancing to Unlock Cash: Home Improvements, Debt Consolidation, and More One of the primary drivers behind the refinance boom is the desire to tap into home equity. Your home is likely your largest asset, and as you pay down your mortgage and your property value increases, you build equity. A cash-out refinance allows you to borrow against that equity, receiving the difference in cash at closing. Home Renovations and Upgrades Imagine finally getting that dream kitchen! Or adding a much-needed bathroom. Home improvements not only enhance your living space, but they can also significantly increase your home's value. Instead of relying on high-interest credit cards or personal loans, a cash-out refinance provides a more affordable way to finance these projects. Debt Consolidation: Streamline Your Finances Are you overwhelmed by multiple credit card bills, student loans, or other high-interest debts? A cash-out refinance can be a powerful tool for debt consolidation. By using the cash from your refinance to pay off these debts, you can simplify your finances, potentially lower your overall interest rate, and reduce your monthly payments. This can free up cash flow and make it easier to manage your finances. Unexpected Expenses and Opportunities Life throws curveballs. Unexpected medical bills, job loss, or even a fantastic investment opportunity can create a need for immediate cash. A cash-out refinance can provide a financial safety net, allowing you to address these situations without resorting to high-interest options. Beyond Lower Rates: Other Reasons to Refinance While a lower interest rate is often the primary motivation for refinancing, it's important to recognize that it's not the only reason homeowners choose to refinance. Many factors contribute to the decision, and sometimes, a lower rate isn't even the main goal. Switching Loan Types: From ARM to Fixed-Rate Adjustable-rate mortgages (ARMs) can be attractive with their initially lower interest rates. However, as the name suggests, the rate can adjust over time, potentially leading to higher monthly payments. Refinancing from an ARM to a fixed-rate mortgage provides peace of mind by locking in a stable interest rate for the life of the loan. 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Economic uncertainly may lead homeowners to consolidate their debts and protect against future economic shock. Weighing the Pros and Cons: Is Cash-Out Refinancing Right for You? While cash-out refinancing can be a valuable tool, it's crucial to carefully consider the pros and cons before making a decision. On the positive side, it can provide access to cash for important needs, consolidate debt, and potentially lower your overall interest rate. However, it also means taking on a larger mortgage, potentially extending your loan term, and paying closing costs. A recent [Housing Wire article]( "") discussed the importance of working with an expert to determine what option is best for each homeowner. Important Considerations Before You Refinance Assess Your Financial Situation: Carefully evaluate your current debt obligations, income, and expenses. Compare Interest Rates and Fees: Shop around for the best refinance rates and terms. Don't just focus on the interest rate; consider all associated fees. Calculate the Break-Even Point: Determine how long it will take to recoup the closing costs associated with refinancing. Understand the Tax Implications: Consult with a tax advisor to understand any potential tax implications of refinancing. Does Refinancing Make Sense to Consolidate Debt? Let's Talk! Refinancing can be a powerful tool for achieving your financial goals, whether it's consolidating debt, funding home improvements, or simply gaining more financial flexibility. But it's not a one-size-fits-all solution. That's why it's essential to work with a trusted mortgage professional who can assess your individual needs and help you determine if refinancing is the right choice for you. At DDA Mortgage, we're committed to providing personalized guidance and helping you navigate the complexities of the mortgage process. If you're considering refinancing, we encourage you to contact us today for a free consultation. Let us help you explore your options and find the best solution for your unique situation. Check out our Refinancing page to learn more, and then reach out to one of our team members! Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice. Consult with a qualified financial advisor before making any financial decisions. Interest rates and loan terms are subject to change without notice.
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a large share of the refinances in 2025 were indeed driven by homeowners taking cash out of their home equity to consolidate debt or tap housing wealth, not just refinancing to get a lower interest rate. The data available on refinance activity in early and mid-2025 show this clearly: 🏠 1. Cash-Out (Equity Extraction) Was a Big Part of Refinances When mortgage rates stayed relatively high (often above ~6.5%), fewer borrowers could refinance purely to lower their rate or monthly payment. In that environment, lenders and borrowers often shifted toward cash-out refinances — where you borrow more than your existing mortgage and receive the difference in cash. According to Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) data: In early 2025, cash-out refinances made up a majority of refinance activity — rising from about 56 % of refinances to roughly 64 % in the first quarter of the year. That means most refinance borrowers were actually pulling equity out. 💳 2. Cash-Out Often Leads to Debt Consolidation Borrowers commonly use the cash from a cash-out refinance to pay down higher-interest personal debt, like credit cards or auto loans. A Consumer Financial Protection Bureau report (covering broader refinance behavior) found that the most frequent stated reason for cash-out refinancing was to “pay off other bills or debts.” This happens because: Mortgage interest rates on large balances may still be lower than credit card or personal loan interest rates. Consolidating high-interest debt into a mortgage can simplify payments and reduce total interest costs — as long as the homeowner plans correctly and understands the risks of converting unsecured debt into home-secured debt. 📉 3. Rate-Reduction Refinancing Was Less Dominant Compared with past refinance cycles (especially when rates plunged), rate-and-term refinances — where the main goal is lowering your interest rate and monthly payment — were less dominant in 2025. The FHFA reports suggest that because average mortgage rates stayed relatively elevated during the first part of 2025, cash-out refinances became a bigger share — not just refinance for rate savings. 📊 What This Means in Simple Terms Not all refinance activity is about getting a lower rate. A substantial chunk of 2025 refinance volume was cash-out refinancing. Many homeowners took some of that cash to consolidate other debt, meaning part of the high refinance share reflects debt consolidation activity, not solely traditional mortgage refinancing for rate/term improvement. So yes — while refinancing to lower the rate still happened, a lot of the refinance volume in 2025 was linked to cash-out and debt consolidation purposes. This helps explain why refinance activity remained relatively strong even when interest rates weren’t plummeting. Let me know if you want some numbers or examples of how much debt consolidation affected total refinancing! 3 messages remaining. Start a free Business trial to keep the conversation going Try Business free tune in and learn https://www.ddamortgage.com/blog didier malagies nmls#212566 dda mortgage nmls#324329
