10 Ways for Building Equity and Boosting Home Value

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Whether you’re a current homeowner or a potential homebuyer, it’s likely you understand that building equity in a home can be a life game-changer — for you and your family.

Building equity in a property can significantly impact your financial future, including opening up more options for your next home purchase.

In this guide, we’ll explore what home equity is, why it’s important, and provide you with 10 solid strategies to increase your equity.

From making smart payment choices to enhancing your home’s value, these tips can help you maximize building equity and helping you unlock the full potential of your investment.

How Much Is Your Home Worth Now?

Home values have rapidly increased in recent years. How much is your current home worth now? Get a ballpark estimate from HomeLight’s free Home Value Estimator.

What is home equity?

Home equity is the portion of your property that you actually own, calculated by subtracting any mortgage or loan balances from the current market value of your home. In other words, it’s the real financial stake you have in your property. As you pay down your mortgage and as the value of your property increases, your home equity grows.

This equity represents your home’s tangible value that can be converted into cash through selling, refinancing, or borrowing. It becomes a financial asset that can play a big role in your overall financial strategy, offering opportunities like funding home improvements, consolidating debt, or preparing for retirement.

Why does home equity matter?

Here are a few key reasons why building equity in your home matters:

  • Financial security: Equity in your home contributes to your net worth, offering a cushion for financial emergencies or future investments.
  • Wealth accumulation: Over time, as your equity grows, it becomes a significant part of your wealth, potentially aiding in long-term financial goals like retirement.
  • Borrowing power: With substantial home equity, you have the option to borrow against it, which can be useful for large expenses like home renovations or education.
  • Profit potential: When selling your home, the more equity you have, the higher the profit you can potentially make, providing funds for your next home purchase or other needs.

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