What Credit Score You Need for a HELOC Loan? Find Out Here!

Discover the essential credit score requirements for securing a Home Equity Line of Credit (HELOC) in 2025. This guide provides clear insights into what lenders look for, how your score impacts your loan terms, and actionable steps to improve your chances of approval.

Understanding HELOCs and Credit Score Importance

A Home Equity Line of Credit (HELOC) is a powerful financial tool that allows homeowners to borrow against the equity they've built in their homes. Think of it as a revolving credit line, similar to a credit card, but secured by your property. You can draw funds as needed up to a certain limit and repay them, then borrow again. This flexibility makes HELOCs ideal for a variety of purposes, from major home renovations and consolidating high-interest debt to funding educational expenses or covering unexpected emergencies. However, like any significant financial product, lenders require assurance that you can manage the debt responsibly. This is where your credit score comes into play.

Your credit score is a three-digit number that represents your creditworthiness – essentially, how likely you are to repay borrowed money. It's a critical factor for lenders because it provides a quick, standardized assessment of your financial behavior. A higher credit score signals to lenders that you have a history of managing debt effectively, making you a less risky borrower. For HELOCs, which involve substantial loan amounts secured by your home, lenders are particularly meticulous about risk assessment. They want to be confident that you can meet your repayment obligations, especially given the long-term nature of these loans and the potential for fluctuating interest rates.

In 2025, the landscape of lending continues to emphasize robust credit profiles. Lenders use your credit score as a primary indicator to determine not only if you qualify for a HELOC but also the terms you'll receive. This includes the interest rate, the credit limit, and the repayment period. A strong credit score can unlock more favorable interest rates, saving you significant money over the life of the loan. Conversely, a lower score might lead to higher interest rates, a reduced credit limit, or even outright denial of your application. Understanding the nuances of credit scores and their impact on HELOCs is the first crucial step in navigating this process successfully.

Why Credit Scores are Paramount for HELOC Lenders

Lenders view HELOCs as a significant investment, and your credit score is their primary tool for gauging the risk associated with that investment. Here's a breakdown of why it's so crucial:

• Risk Assessment: A higher score indicates a lower risk of default. Lenders want to minimize the chance of homeowners failing to repay their loans, which could lead to foreclosure.
• Interest Rate Determination: The interest rate offered on a HELOC is directly tied to perceived risk. Borrowers with excellent credit typically qualify for the lowest rates, making the loan more affordable.
• Loan-to-Value (LTV) Ratios: While not solely determined by credit score, a strong score can sometimes influence a lender's willingness to offer a higher LTV ratio, meaning you can borrow a larger percentage of your home's equity.
• Loan Terms and Conditions: Beyond the interest rate, your credit score can affect other aspects of the loan, such as fees, draw periods, and repayment terms.
• Market Competitiveness: In the competitive lending market of 2025, lenders use credit scores to differentiate their offerings and attract creditworthy borrowers.

Therefore, before you even begin exploring HELOC options, understanding your current credit standing and what lenders expect is paramount. It sets the foundation for a successful application and helps you secure the best possible terms for your financial needs.

Minimum Credit Score Benchmarks for HELOCs

When considering a Home Equity Line of Credit (HELOC), one of the most frequently asked questions is about the minimum credit score required. While there isn't a single, universal number that applies to every lender, there are generally accepted benchmarks that serve as a good starting point for your research. In 2025, most lenders are looking for borrowers with a solid credit history, reflecting responsible financial management. Falling below these thresholds can significantly decrease your chances of approval or lead to less favorable loan terms.

Generally, you'll find that lenders prefer applicants with credit scores of 620 or higher for most secured loans. However, for a HELOC, which is a substantial financial commitment for both the borrower and the lender, the bar is often set higher. Many mainstream lenders typically require a minimum credit score in the range of 660 to 700. This range signifies a borrower who has demonstrated a consistent ability to manage credit responsibly, make payments on time, and maintain a relatively low credit utilization ratio.

It's important to understand that these are minimums. While a score of 660 might get your application considered by some institutions, a score of 700 or above will generally unlock more competitive offers and a wider array of lenders. Scores in the excellent range (typically 740 and above) are almost guaranteed to qualify for the best available rates and terms. The higher your score, the more leverage you have in negotiating your HELOC terms.

Typical Credit Score Tiers for HELOC Approval

To provide a clearer picture, let's break down how credit scores generally align with HELOC approval prospects in 2025:

The table above illustrates a general guideline. Specific lender requirements can vary significantly. Some credit unions or smaller community banks might be more flexible with credit scores, especially if you have a long-standing relationship with them. Conversely, large national banks might have stricter criteria to manage their vast portfolios.

The Nuance: Beyond the Minimum Score

It's crucial to remember that your credit score is just one piece of the puzzle. Lenders will also scrutinize other aspects of your financial profile. A score of 660 might be sufficient for one lender if your income is exceptionally stable and your debt-to-income ratio is low, but insufficient for another if those factors are less robust. In 2025, lenders are increasingly looking at the holistic financial picture.

Furthermore, the "minimum" score can also be influenced by the loan-to-value (LTV) ratio you're seeking. If you have substantial equity in your home (meaning you owe very little on your mortgage relative to your home's value), a lender might be willing to overlook a slightly lower credit score because the collateral (your home) provides a strong safety net. Conversely, if you're trying to borrow a larger percentage of your home's equity, lenders will likely demand a higher credit score to compensate for the increased risk.

Understanding these benchmarks is your first step. If your score falls within the "Fair" or "Poor" range, don't despair. There are steps you can take to improve your creditworthiness before applying for a HELOC. Focus on building a strong financial foundation, and you'll significantly increase your chances of securing the HELOC you need.

Factors Beyond Your Credit Score That Matter

While your credit score is a primary gatekeeper for HELOC approval in 2025, it's far from the only factor lenders consider. A strong credit score opens doors, but a comprehensive financial profile is what ultimately secures the loan and dictates its terms. Lenders are looking for a borrower who is not only creditworthy but also financially stable and capable of managing additional debt. Ignoring these other crucial elements can lead to disappointment, even with a seemingly good credit score.

Think of your credit score as a snapshot of your past financial behavior. Lenders, however, want to see a moving picture of your current and future ability to repay. This involves a deeper dive into your income, employment stability, existing debts, and the equity you possess in your home. Each of these elements plays a significant role in the lender's decision-making process.

Income and Employment Stability

This is arguably the most critical factor after your credit score. Lenders need to be confident that you have a reliable and sufficient source of income to handle the monthly payments of a HELOC, in addition to your existing mortgage and other financial obligations. They will meticulously review your income documentation.

• Proof of Income: Expect to provide recent pay stubs (typically the last 30 days), W-2 forms from the past two years, and tax returns (usually the last two years). Self-employed individuals will need more extensive documentation, including profit and loss statements and detailed tax returns.
• Employment History: Lenders prefer to see a stable employment history, typically at least two years in the same industry or with the same employer. Frequent job changes or gaps in employment can raise red flags.
• Income Sufficiency: Lenders calculate your debt-to-income ratio (DTI), which compares your total monthly debt payments to your gross monthly income. A lower DTI indicates more disposable income available for loan repayment. Most lenders prefer a DTI of 43% or lower, but for a HELOC, they often aim for a combined DTI (including the potential HELOC payment) below 43%.

For instance, if your gross monthly income is $8,000, and your existing mortgage, car payments, and credit card minimums total $3,000, your DTI is 37.5%. If a potential HELOC payment adds another $500, your new DTI would be $3,500 / $8,000 = 43.75%. This might be at the upper limit or exceed what some lenders are comfortable with.

Debt-to-Income Ratio (DTI)

As mentioned, DTI is a cornerstone of loan qualification. It's a direct measure of your ability to manage monthly payments. A lower DTI signals that you have ample room in your budget to take on new debt without becoming overextended. Lenders use DTI to assess risk, and a high DTI is a significant warning sign.

Calculation:

DTI = (Total Monthly Debt Payments / Gross Monthly Income) * 100

When applying for a HELOC, lenders will consider your existing debts (mortgage, car loans, student loans, credit card minimums) and factor in the estimated monthly payment for the HELOC itself. A lower DTI not only improves your chances of approval but can also lead to better interest rates.

Home Equity and Loan-to-Value (LTV) Ratio

The amount of equity you have in your home is fundamental to securing a HELOC. Equity is the difference between your home's current market value and the amount you owe on your mortgage. Lenders assess this through the Loan-to-Value (LTV) ratio, which compares the total amount of debt secured by your home (your mortgage balance plus the requested HELOC amount) to your home's appraised value.

• Appraised Value: Lenders will require a professional appraisal of your home to determine its current market value.
• LTV Calculation: LTV = (Total Debt Secured by Home / Home's Appraised Value) * 100
• Lender Limits: Most lenders will not allow the combined LTV (mortgage + HELOC) to exceed 80% or 85% of your home's appraised value. Some may go up to 90% for borrowers with exceptional credit and financial profiles.

For example, if your home is appraised at $400,000 and you owe $200,000 on your mortgage, you have $200,000 in equity. If a lender allows an 85% LTV, the maximum combined debt they would consider is $340,000 ($400,000 * 0.85). If your mortgage balance is $200,000, the maximum HELOC you could potentially borrow is $140,000 ($340,000 - $200,000).

A higher amount of equity generally translates to a lower LTV, which reduces the lender's risk and can make it easier to qualify for a HELOC, even with a slightly less stellar credit score.

Other Considerations

Beyond these core factors, lenders may also look at:

• Payment History on Existing Debts: While your credit score summarizes this, lenders will specifically review your history of paying your mortgage and other loans on time.
• Savings and Assets: Having a healthy savings account or other assets can demonstrate financial stability and provide a cushion in case of unforeseen circumstances.
• Type of Property: Lenders may have different requirements for primary residences versus investment properties or second homes.
• Relationship with the Lender: If you have a long-standing banking relationship with a lender, they may be more inclined to work with you, potentially offering more flexible terms.

By understanding and preparing for these additional requirements, you can present a more compelling case to lenders and significantly improve your chances of securing the HELOC you need in 2025.

Improving Your Credit Score for a HELOC

If your current credit score is below the optimal range for HELOC approval, or if you simply want to secure the best possible terms in 2025, improving your credit score should be a top priority. This isn't an overnight process, but a strategic approach can yield significant results. Lenders look for consistent, responsible credit behavior, and demonstrating this over time is key. Fortunately, there are several actionable steps you can take to boost your score and enhance your HELOC eligibility.

The foundation of a good credit score lies in understanding its components and focusing your efforts on the areas that have the most impact. Credit scoring models, like FICO and VantageScore, consider factors such as payment history, amounts owed (credit utilization), length of credit history, credit mix, and new credit. By targeting these areas, you can systematically work towards a higher score.

1. Pay All Bills On Time, Every Time

Payment history is the single most influential factor in your credit score, accounting for approximately 35% of a FICO score. Even a single late payment can have a detrimental effect. For a HELOC application, lenders want to see a pristine record of on-time payments across all your credit accounts.

• Set Up Autopay: Automate payments for your credit cards, loans, and other recurring bills. This ensures you never miss a due date.
• Payment Reminders: Utilize calendar alerts or budgeting apps to remind you of upcoming payment deadlines.
• Catch Up on Past Due Accounts: If you have any accounts that are currently past due, make it a priority to bring them current immediately.
• Negotiate with Lenders: If you're struggling to make a payment, contact your lender proactively. They may be willing to work out a payment plan or offer temporary relief, which is better than defaulting or having a late payment reported.

Consistency is key. Demonstrating a reliable payment history over several months, and ideally years, will significantly bolster your creditworthiness.

2. Reduce Your Credit Utilization Ratio (CUR)

Your credit utilization ratio, which is the amount of credit you're using compared to your total available credit, accounts for about 30% of your FICO score. Keeping this ratio low is crucial. Experts generally recommend keeping your utilization below 30%, but for optimal HELOC approval, aiming for below 10% is even better.

• Pay Down Credit Card Balances: The most effective way to lower your CUR is to pay down your credit card balances. Focus on cards with the highest utilization first.
• Increase Credit Limits (Carefully): Requesting a credit limit increase on existing credit cards can lower your utilization ratio, provided you don't increase your spending. However, be aware that some lenders may perform a hard inquiry when you request an increase, which can temporarily ding your score.
• Avoid Maxing Out Cards: Never carry balances close to your credit limit. Even if you pay the balance in full by the due date, a high utilization reported by the card issuer can negatively impact your score.

For example, if you have a credit card with a $10,000 limit and a $5,000 balance, your utilization is 50%. If you pay it down to $1,000, your utilization drops to 10%, which is much more favorable.

3. Address Errors on Your Credit Report

Mistakes happen. Your credit report might contain inaccuracies, such as incorrect late payments, accounts that aren't yours, or outdated negative information. These errors can unfairly lower your score.

• Obtain Your Credit Reports: You are entitled to a free credit report from each of the three major credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion) annually at AnnualCreditReport.com.
• Review Carefully: Scrutinize each report for any discrepancies.
• Dispute Inaccuracies: If you find an error, file a dispute with the credit bureau and the creditor that reported the information. Provide any supporting documentation you have. The bureaus are legally obligated to investigate.

Correcting errors can sometimes lead to a quick and significant score improvement.

4. Limit New Credit Applications

Applying for multiple new credit accounts in a short period can negatively impact your score. Each application typically results in a "hard inquiry" on your credit report, which can lower your score by a few points. While the impact is usually temporary, too many inquiries can signal to lenders that you're in financial distress or taking on too much debt.

• Apply Only When Necessary: Only apply for credit when you genuinely need it.
• Shop Around Strategically: If you are shopping for a HELOC or another loan, try to do so within a concentrated period (e.g., 14-45 days, depending on the scoring model). Credit scoring models often treat multiple inquiries for the same type of loan within this window as a single inquiry, minimizing the impact.

5. Build a Longer Credit History

The length of your credit history accounts for about 15% of your FICO score. A longer history of responsible credit use is generally better. While you can't magically age your credit history, you can focus on maintaining existing accounts and avoiding closing older, well-managed accounts.

• Keep Old Accounts Open: If you have older credit cards that you use responsibly and pay off on time, keeping them open can help lengthen your average account age.
• Avoid Closing Unused Accounts: Closing an account reduces your total available credit, which can increase your credit utilization ratio, and it removes a positive payment history from your report.

6. Diversify Your Credit Mix (Cautiously)

Credit mix (having a variety of credit types, such as credit cards, installment loans, and mortgages) accounts for about 10% of your FICO score. Having a mix can be beneficial, but it's not worth opening new accounts solely for the sake of credit mix if you don't need them.

• Focus on Existing Accounts: If you already have a mix of credit, focus on managing them well.
• Avoid Unnecessary New Accounts: Don't open a new type of credit if it doesn't serve a genuine financial need.

By diligently implementing these strategies, you can systematically improve your credit score, making you a more attractive candidate for a HELOC in 2025 and potentially securing more favorable loan terms. Remember that consistency and patience are key to building a strong credit profile.

Alternative Options if Your Score is Low

If your credit score is currently below the typical thresholds required for a HELOC, or if you've been denied a HELOC due to your credit standing, don't lose hope. While a HELOC might be challenging to obtain with a low score, several alternative financial products and strategies can help you access funds or improve your situation. In 2025, lenders and financial institutions offer a range of options designed to accommodate borrowers with less-than-perfect credit, though they often come with different terms and conditions.

The primary challenge with a low credit score is that it signals higher risk to lenders. Therefore, alternative options might involve higher interest rates, stricter repayment terms, or different collateral requirements. The goal is to find a solution that meets your immediate financial needs while also providing a pathway to improving your creditworthiness for future opportunities.

1. Home Equity Loan (Second Mortgage)

A home equity loan is often confused with a HELOC, but it functions differently. Instead of a revolving line of credit, a home equity loan provides a lump sum of cash that you repay with fixed monthly payments over a set period. While it's also secured by your home's equity, the approval criteria can sometimes be slightly more flexible than for a HELOC, especially regarding credit score minimums for certain lenders.

• Fixed Interest Rate: Offers predictable monthly payments, which can be easier to budget.
• Lump Sum: Provides all the funds at once, which can be ideal for a large, one-time expense.
• Potentially Lower Credit Score Requirements: Some lenders may accept scores in the high 600s for home equity loans, whereas HELOCs might require 700+.

However, interest rates on home equity loans can still be higher if your credit score is not strong.

2. Cash-Out Refinance

A cash-out refinance involves replacing your existing mortgage with a new, larger mortgage. You then receive the difference between the new loan amount and your old mortgage balance in cash. This option allows you to tap into your home equity while potentially securing a lower interest rate on your primary mortgage if market rates have decreased since you took out your current loan.

• Consolidates Debt: Combines your mortgage and the cash-out amount into a single monthly payment.
• Potentially Better Rates: If interest rates have fallen, you might secure a lower rate on your entire mortgage balance.
• Requires Good Credit: Generally, cash-out refinances require a credit score similar to or even higher than what's needed for a HELOC, often 680+. However, if your score is borderline, exploring options with lenders who specialize in lower credit scores might be possible.

3. Personal Loans (Unsecured)

If your credit score is too low for home equity products, a personal loan might be an option, though typically for smaller amounts. These loans are not secured by collateral, making them riskier for lenders, and thus they usually require a higher credit score than secured loans. However, some lenders offer personal loans for borrowers with fair credit (scores in the high 600s).

• No Collateral Required: Your home is not at risk if you default.
• Faster Approval: Often quicker to obtain than home equity products.
• Higher Interest Rates: Unsecured loans typically carry higher interest rates, especially for borrowers with lower credit scores.

The interest rates on personal loans for someone with a low credit score could be quite high, making them an expensive option.

4. Credit Counseling and Debt Management Programs

If your financial challenges stem from overwhelming debt, seeking professional help might be the best first step. Credit counseling agencies can help you create a budget, negotiate with creditors, and potentially set up a debt management plan (DMP).

• Budgeting Assistance: Learn to manage your money more effectively.
• Debt Negotiation: Counselors can negotiate lower interest rates or payment plans with your creditors.
• Structured Repayment: A DMP involves making one monthly payment to the agency, which then distributes it to your creditors. This can help you get back on track and improve your credit score over time.

While not a direct way to access funds, these programs are crucial for rebuilding your financial health, which is a prerequisite for future HELOC applications.

5. Secured Personal Loans or Credit Cards

Some lenders offer secured personal loans or credit cards where you provide collateral, such as a savings account or CD. This reduces the lender's risk, making approval more likely even with a lower credit score.

• Easier Approval: Collateral significantly increases approval chances.
• Builds Credit: Responsible use of these products can help rebuild your credit history.
• Limited Loan Amounts: The loan amount is typically tied to the value of the collateral.

6. Focus on Credit Repair

The most sustainable long-term solution is to actively work on improving your credit score. This involves the strategies outlined in the previous section: paying bills on time, reducing credit utilization, disputing errors, and limiting new credit applications. While this takes time, it's the most effective way to qualify for favorable loan terms in the future.

Consider consulting with a reputable credit repair service if you have significant issues on your report, but be wary of companies that make unrealistic promises. Often, diligent personal effort is the most effective path.

Choosing the right alternative depends on your specific financial situation, the amount of funds you need, and your willingness to accept different loan terms. For those with low credit scores, prioritizing financial education and credit repair is often the most prudent long-term strategy.

The HELOC Application Process: What to Expect

Applying for a Home Equity Line of Credit (HELOC) involves a detailed process designed to assess your financial standing and the value of your home. While the exact steps can vary slightly between lenders, understanding the general flow will help you prepare and navigate the application smoothly in 2025. Lenders aim to verify your income, creditworthiness, and the equity you possess in your property to mitigate their risk.

The process typically begins with an initial inquiry and culminates in the disbursement of funds. Each stage requires specific documentation and verification. Being organized and having all necessary information readily available can significantly expedite the process and reduce potential stress.

Step 1: Initial Inquiry and Pre-qualification

The first step is to research lenders and compare their HELOC offerings. Consider banks, credit unions, and online lenders. Many lenders offer online pre-qualification tools that allow you to get an estimate of how much you might be able to borrow and what your potential interest rate could be, without a hard inquiry on your credit report.

• Gather Basic Information: You'll typically need to provide details about your income, employment, estimated home value, and outstanding mortgage balance.
• Check Your Credit Score: Have a good understanding of your credit score before you start.
• Compare Offers: Look at interest rates (both introductory and ongoing), fees (origination fees, annual fees, appraisal fees), draw periods, repayment periods, and any promotional offers.

Pre-qualification is not a guarantee of approval, but it gives you a realistic idea of your options.

Step 2: Formal Application

Once you've chosen a lender, you'll proceed with a formal application. This is where you'll provide detailed personal and financial information. Be prepared to submit documentation to verify everything you've stated.

• Loan Application Form: A comprehensive form detailing your personal information, financial history, and the loan amount requested.
• Proof of Income: Recent pay stubs (usually 30 days), W-2s (past two years), tax returns (past two years, especially if self-employed), and potentially other income verification documents.
• Proof of Identity: Government-issued photo ID (driver's license, passport).
• Bank Statements: Recent statements to verify assets and cash flow.
• Mortgage Information: Details about your current mortgage, including lender, balance, and payment.

At this stage, the lender will likely perform a hard inquiry on your credit report, which can slightly impact your score.

Step 3: Underwriting and Appraisal

This is the core of the lender's evaluation process. The underwriter will review all the documentation you've submitted to assess your creditworthiness and financial stability. Simultaneously, the lender will order an appraisal of your home to determine its current market value.

• Credit Check: A thorough review of your credit history, scores, and payment patterns.
• Income Verification: Confirming the stability and sufficiency of your income.
• Debt-to-Income Ratio Calculation: Assessing your overall debt burden.
• Home Appraisal: A licensed appraiser will visit your property to determine its fair market value. This is crucial for calculating your equity and the maximum loan-to-value (LTV) ratio.

The appraisal is a critical step. If the appraised value is lower than expected, it could reduce the amount of equity available and potentially impact your loan amount or approval.

Step 4: Loan Approval and Offer

If your application meets the lender's criteria after underwriting and the appraisal is satisfactory, you will receive a loan approval. This will come with a formal loan offer detailing all the terms and conditions, including the interest rate, credit limit, draw period, repayment period, fees, and any specific requirements.

• Review the Offer Carefully: Ensure you understand all aspects of the loan agreement.
• Ask Questions: Don't hesitate to ask your loan officer for clarification on any confusing terms or fees.
• Compare with Other Offers: If you applied with multiple lenders, compare the final offers to ensure you're getting the best deal.

Step 5: Closing and Funding

Once you accept the loan offer, you'll proceed to closing. This is a formal process where you sign the final loan documents. The lender will then disburse the funds.

• Loan Documents: You'll sign the HELOC agreement, promissory note, and any other required legal documents.
• Closing Costs: Be prepared to pay closing costs, which can include appraisal fees, title insurance, recording fees, and origination fees. These can sometimes be rolled into the loan or paid upfront.
• Disbursement of Funds: After all documents are signed and recorded, the lender will typically wire the funds to your bank account or provide a check. The draw period typically begins shortly after funding.

The entire process, from application to funding, can take anywhere from a few weeks to a couple of months, depending on the lender, the completeness of your documentation, and the efficiency of the appraisal process.

Tips for a Smoother Application Process

• Be Organized: Have all your financial documents readily accessible.
• Be Honest and Transparent: Provide accurate information. Lenders will verify everything.
• Maintain Good Communication: Respond promptly to lender requests for information.
• Understand Your Home's Value: Have a realistic idea of your home's market value.
• Check for Fees: Be aware of all potential fees associated with the HELOC.

By being prepared and understanding each step, you can navigate the HELOC application process with greater confidence and increase your chances of a successful outcome.

Conclusion: Your HELOC Pathway

Securing a Home Equity Line of Credit (HELOC) in 2025 hinges significantly on your credit score, but it's not the sole determinant. While a score of 660-700 is often the minimum benchmark, lenders also scrutinize your income stability, debt-to-income ratio, and the equity you possess in your home. A strong credit score is your key to unlocking the most favorable interest rates and terms, potentially saving you thousands over the loan's life.

If your credit score falls short, remember that improving it is achievable. By focusing on consistent on-time payments, reducing credit utilization, and addressing any inaccuracies on your credit report, you can systematically boost your score. Alternatively, explore options like home equity loans, cash-out refinances, or personal loans, understanding that these may come with different terms and potentially higher costs. The crucial takeaway is that proactive financial management and informed decision-making pave the way to accessing the funds you need.

The HELOC application process, from pre-qualification to closing, requires thorough preparation and documentation. By understanding each step and presenting a strong, holistic financial profile, you can navigate the process effectively. Whether you're looking to finance home improvements, consolidate debt, or manage unexpected expenses, a HELOC can be a valuable financial tool. Start by assessing your creditworthiness, exploring your options, and taking the necessary steps to achieve your financial goals. Your pathway to a HELOC is clearer when you are well-informed and prepared.