Home equity
Know what your equity can do.
Enter your home value and mortgage balance to see your net sale proceeds, HELOC borrowing power, and move-up budget — instantly.
May 2026 market context
Eastside inventory is up ~15% year-over-year while median prices have held near record highs. Homeowners who bought before 2022 are sitting on significant equity — often enough to move up without increasing their monthly payment.
Use your best estimate — or get an agent-prepared AVM.
Check your latest statement or lender portal.
Total equity
$420,000
What you'd walk away with after agent commissions and closing costs in today's market.
In the May 2026 spring market, well-priced Eastside homes are moving in 2–4 weeks. Proceeds typically fund your next down payment within 45 days of closing.
Three ways Eastside homeowners use equity in 2026
Sell and trade up
With proceeds covering 20% down on a larger home, sellers avoid PMI and often land at a similar monthly payment despite buying at a higher price — especially on 30-year terms.
Fund a renovation
A HELOC at 80% CLTV is the most common tool for kitchen, ADU, or addition projects. Rates are variable, so it's best for shorter draws — not permanent financing.
Buy before you sell
Bridge loans and buy-before-sell programs use your existing equity to fund the purchase of your next home, so you can move on your timeline without a contingency offer.
Verified by
Adriano Tori
Founder & Designated Broker · RexMont Real Estate
Estimates use King County effective tax rates, standard Eastside closing cost ranges, and conventional 80% CLTV guidelines. For your actual numbers, our team provides a no-cost equity analysis with comparable sales.
Frequently asked questions
How is home equity calculated?
Home equity is the difference between your property's current market value and the total amount you still owe on your mortgage. If your home is worth $900,000 and your remaining balance is $480,000, you have $420,000 in equity — about 47%.
What is LTV and why does it matter?
LTV (loan-to-value) is your mortgage balance divided by your home's value. Lenders use it to assess risk. Below 80% LTV you typically qualify for HELOCs and cash-out refis at the best rates. Above 80%, options narrow and PMI may apply.
How much equity can I borrow against in Washington State?
Most conventional lenders allow you to borrow up to 80% of your home's value combined across your first mortgage and any HELOC or home equity loan. Some lenders go to 85% or 90% for qualified borrowers, with slightly higher rates.
What selling costs should I expect on the Eastside?
Budget roughly 6–7% of the sale price: about 5% in agent commissions (split between buyer's and seller's agents) and 1–2% for closing costs including escrow, title, and excise tax. On a $1M Eastside home that's $60–70K — a significant line item when planning a move-up.
Is May 2026 a good time to tap home equity?
With Eastside median prices up from their 2023 trough and rates stabilizing in the mid-6s, many homeowners have recovered equity lost during the 2022–2023 correction. Whether to tap, sell, or hold depends on your goal — a RexMont advisor can model all three scenarios with your actual numbers.
Data sources: Selling cost estimates based on Washington State excise tax schedules and typical Eastside agent fee structures. King County Assessor (property tax rates) · FHFA House Price Index (appreciation benchmarks) · Federal Reserve FRED (rate benchmarks). All figures are estimates; consult a licensed lender and your tax advisor before making financial decisions.