Did you know American homeowners are sitting on $37 trillion in equity? That’s a mountain of opportunity—and mortgage professionals like Jay Dacey are showing exactly how to tap into it. In this Loan Atlas conversation, Josh Mettle and Jay share actionable strategies you can use to help your clients unlock equity, lower their payments, and achieve their financial goals.

The U.S. Equity Landscape: Where the Opportunity Lies

A recent analysis from MBS Highway shows:

✅ 91 million U.S. households
✅ $37 trillion in total home equity
✅ 35 million homes owned free and clear, representing $20 trillion in equity
✅ 56 million mortgaged homes with $17 trillion in equity

Average Equity Stats:

• Mortgaged homes: $311,000 in equity
• Free and clear homes: $571,000 in equity

The average homeowner with a mortgage has over $300,000 in tappable equity—money that could solve major financial problems or fund future dreams.

4 Real-World Strategies for Unlocking Home Equity

1. Cash Out for Home Improvements

• Client profile: Recently purchased home, large down payment, unfinished basement.
• Challenge: 12-month cash-out seasoning period prevented immediate cash-out refinance.
• Solution: Completed a rate-and-term refinance first to lower payments, then set up a home equity line of credit (HELOC) for $70,000 to finish the basement.

Why it works: Combining a refinance with a HELOC can address multiple needs—creating motivation even if rate savings alone aren’t compelling.

2. Debt Consolidation for Financial Relief

• Client profile: 15 years in home, job loss led to credit card debt accumulation.
• Solution: Cash-out refinance to consolidate debt, pay off a vehicle, and free up monthly cash flow.
• Results: Saved $900/month on total monthly payments.

How they reconnected: Monthly snail mail and consistent email communication prompted the client to call after securing new employment.

3. Investment Property Fix-and-Flip Strategy

• Client profile: Real estate investor completing a 1031 exchange.
• Challenge: Bought property with cash but needed funds for renovations.
• Solution: Short-term first-position HELOC on the investment property to access $75,000–$100,000 for rehab.

Key tool: Used Property Radar to identify and target opportunities among investors and homeowners.

4. Emergency Repairs & Small HELOCs

• Client profile: Client used all cash for down payment, then faced unexpected furnace replacement and rising credit card balances.
• Solution: Small $35,000 HELOC to consolidate debt, lowering monthly obligations by $300/month.

Lesson: Even small equity loans can make a meaningful difference for clients living paycheck-to-paycheck.

How to Find Clients with Tappable Equity

Use Property Radar

• Identify homes with high equity, unfinished spaces, or older mortgages with rates above 7%
• Filter by loan origination dates and property types for targeted outreach

Stay in Touch with Your Database

• Send monthly home value reports (e.g., Homebot)
• Mail newsletters highlighting rate trends and refinance opportunities
• Share educational resources on home equity strategies

Make the Call

• Reach out proactively with value: “Did you know you could save $400+/month by refinancing?”
• Don’t let fear of a long gap in communication stop you. Clients don’t expect regular calls, but they’ll appreciate it when you reach out.

FAQs About Home Equity Loans & Refinance Strategies

How much equity do homeowners typically have?

• Average mortgaged homeowners have $311,000 in equity; those with no mortgage average $571,000.

What’s the best way to access home equity?

• Cash-out refinance: Best for larger sums and resetting long-term payments.
• HELOC: Flexible borrowing for renovations or emergencies.

Do homeowners mind if you reach out after years of no contact?

• No! Most homeowners appreciate the call, especially if you offer them ways to save money or improve their financial situation.

The Big Opportunity: Why Now Is the Time to Help Your Clients

With consumer debt at record highs, inflation eating into budgets, and mortgage rates fluctuating, clients need proactive advisors to help them make smart decisions.

✅ Master your database: Regular communication turns old leads into new deals.
✅ Educate yourself: Know the ins and outs of cash-out loans, HELOCs, and equity guidelines.
✅ Take action: The longer you wait, the more opportunities you (and your clients) miss.

Final Thoughts: Don’t Let Guilt Hold You Back

As Jay Dacey said:

“Clients aren’t sitting around wondering why you haven’t called them. When you do, they’ll appreciate your thoughtfulness and expertise.”

The key is to start today—because your past clients need you now more than ever.

Ready to Make a Difference?

Join The Loan Atlas to access expert strategies, scripts, and tools that top loan officers use to help clients unlock their home equity.