Do you own your primary residence? If so, there’s a helpful investing tool you might be overlooking. Smart investors know how to leverage, and this strategy can accelerate your real estate portfolio growth.
A home equity line of credit, also known as a HELOC, is a line of credit based on the amount of equity in your home. If you take out a HELOC, the bank will allow you access to a credit line that is typically worth 80% of your equity.
Let’s talk exact numbers. Assume that your primary residence is worth $100,000. Additionally, your mortgage balance is $50,000, leaving you with $50,000 worth of equity.
You are able to get a loan on your equity, usually between 80-90% of value. In our scenario, 90% of $50,000 is $45,000! When you take out a HELOC, the bank gives you a checkbook and a debit card. These funds are yours to use as you please.
Traditionally, a HELOC is used by homeowners to make home improvements, but there are no limits. You could buy a car, or pay off your credit cards. We’ve even used a HELOC to pay down our primary mortgage! You can hear more about that in our new book!
But what we’re talking about today is using a home equity line to purchase rental real estate. Think about our scenario above. $45,000 is just enough to purchase a cash-flowing property in a stable market, and ultimately be on your way to attaining financial freedom.
