Unlock Your Home’s Hidden Value
Your home equity is one of your most powerful financial tools. Adam Bartling & Team help Texas homeowners access their equity with competitive rates, clear guidance, and a streamlined process — no surprises, no pressure.
How Much Home Equity Can You Access in Texas?
Texas law caps total borrowing at 80% of your home’s appraised value — including your existing mortgage. Here’s exactly how that works with real numbers.
Your Home’s Value Breakdown
The Formula: (Home Value × 80%) − Current Mortgage Balance = Maximum Equity You Can Access
Amounts based on appraised value. A current appraisal is required. Contact us for your personalized estimate.
HELOC vs. Home Equity Loan — Which Is Right for You?
Both tap your equity — but they work very differently. Here’s how to know which one fits your situation.
HELOC
A revolving line of credit secured by your home. Draw what you need, when you need it — pay interest only on what you use.
💡 Best For:
Ongoing home improvements, emergency reserve, projects where the final cost is uncertain, or when you want to borrow in stages.
Home Equity Loan
A second mortgage with a fixed rate and term. Receive your full amount upfront with predictable monthly payments from day one.
💡 Best For:
Debt consolidation, major renovations with known costs, large one-time expenses, or when payment predictability matters most.
Smart Ways Texas Homeowners Use Their Equity
Your equity is a powerful financial tool. Here are the most common — and most strategic — ways Texas homeowners put it to work.
Home Renovations
Upgrade your kitchen, add a bathroom, or build an addition. Well-chosen improvements can increase your home’s value — and your equity — right back. Consider a construction loan for major builds.
ROI: Up to 80%Debt Consolidation
Replace high-interest credit card debt (18–25% APR) with a low-rate equity loan. One payment, dramatically lower interest — and a clear payoff date instead of minimum payments forever.
Save $500+/monthInvestment Property Down Payment
Use equity from your primary home to fund the down payment on a rental property. Combined with a DSCR investor loan, this is a proven Texas wealth-building strategy.
Fund 20% DownEmergency Reserve
A HELOC gives you a safety net without costing anything until you use it. Access funds when you need them — pay zero interest on the unused portion.
Pay $0 Until DrawnEducation Expenses
Fund college tuition or private school at rates often well below student loans, with potential tax advantages. Equity loan rates typically beat Parent PLUS loan rates significantly.
Lower Than Student LoansMedical Expenses
Cover unexpected medical bills or planned procedures at equity loan rates — typically far lower than medical financing options or credit cards, with no deferred interest traps.
Better Than 0% CardsImportant Texas Home Equity Rules
Texas has stronger homestead protections than almost any other state. These rules protect you — but you need to know them before you plan.
As a Texas equity specialist, Adam navigates these rules with every client — so you’re never caught off guard and can plan your timeline accordingly.
How to Get a HELOC or Home Equity Loan in Texas
Six straightforward steps — from first conversation to funded. Here’s exactly what to expect when working with Adam & Team.
Free Strategy Consultation — No Credit Pull
We start with a conversation about your goals, your home value estimate, and your existing mortgage balance. We determine whether a HELOC or home equity loan is the right fit — and run the Texas 80% math to show you exactly how much you can access. No credit check yet.
Application & Document Collection
Once you’re ready to move forward, we complete the formal application. You’ll provide income documentation (pay stubs, W-2s, or tax returns if self-employed), mortgage statements, and your property information. Our dedicated processor guides you through every document.
Home Appraisal
A licensed appraiser determines your home’s current market value. This is the number that drives the 80% LTV calculation. In strong Texas markets, appraisals often come in higher than expected — increasing the equity available to you.
Underwriting & Texas 12-Day Wait Period
Your file goes through underwriting while the mandatory 12-business-day Texas waiting period runs simultaneously. This is required by law and cannot be waived — but we time everything so you’re not waiting any longer than necessary.
Closing
Closing must take place at an attorney’s office, lender’s office, or title company — not your home or a third-party location, per Texas law. You’ll review and sign your final loan documents. You then have a 3-business-day right of rescission before funds are released.
Funded — Access Your Equity
After the rescission period, funds are disbursed. Home equity loan proceeds are sent in a lump sum. HELOC credit lines become available to draw against as needed. Total timeline from application to funding: typically 21–30 days in Texas.
Not Sure Which Equity Option Is Right for You?
We’ll run both scenarios for your home — HELOC vs. home equity loan — so you can compare real numbers before deciding. No upfront credit check required.
LET’S TALKWhy Texas Homeowners Choose Adam & Team for Equity Loans
We don’t work for a bank — we work for you. That means shopping for competitive equity rates, explaining Texas’s unique rules clearly, and staying with you through every step.
Multiple Lenders Compete
We shop your equity loan across multiple lenders — so you get the best rate available, not just what one institution can offer.
Texas Equity Experts
We know Texas homestead rules inside and out — 80% LTV cap, 12-day wait, 1-per-year limit. No surprises at closing.
Veteran-Owned
Retired Army Captain. The integrity and mission focus from 22 years of military service applied to every loan we process.
Education-First
We explain HELOC vs. equity loan pros and cons for your specific situation — so you make the right choice, not just a quick one.
No Upfront Credit Check
We evaluate your equity potential and options before pulling credit — protecting your score while giving you a realistic picture.
Fast Closings
We close as fast as Texas law allows — typically 21 days from application. Same team from start to funded, no department handoffs.
What Texas Homeowners Are Saying
“We had $85,000 in credit card debt at 22% interest. Adam helped us get a home equity loan and consolidated everything. Monthly payments dropped by $600 and we’ll be debt-free years sooner. Life-changing.”
“I wanted flexibility for a kitchen remodel. Adam recommended a HELOC so I could draw funds as the project grew. The credit line gave me peace of mind throughout — and I only paid interest on what I used.”
“Adam explained Texas equity rules clearly, no surprises. Used the HELOC as a down payment on a rental property — now building real wealth. I appreciated his straightforward military approach.”
Texas Home Equity FAQs — 2026
Common questions Texas homeowners ask about HELOCs, equity loans, and how they compare to cash-out refinancing. Ask us anything →
How much equity can I access in Texas?
Texas law limits your total borrowing (first mortgage + equity product) to 80% of your home’s appraised value. Example: $400,000 home with $250,000 mortgage → 80% cap = $320,000 → maximum equity access = $70,000. See the full calculation table above for more scenarios.
When does a HELOC or equity loan beat a cash-out refinance?
A HELOC or home equity loan is often the smarter choice when you have a low rate on your existing mortgage — because a cash-out refinance replaces your entire mortgage at today’s rate, potentially raising your payment significantly. If your current rate is below 5%, preserving it with a second lien equity product usually saves you money. Cash-out refi makes more sense when rates have dropped materially below your current rate, or when you want one simplified payment.
What credit score do I need for a HELOC or home equity loan in Texas?
Scores of 700+ unlock the best rates. We have equity options available for scores as low as 620. The stronger your credit, the better your rate — but don’t assume you don’t qualify without checking. We’ll review your full profile before running credit.
How long does it take to get a HELOC or equity loan in Texas?
Texas law requires a mandatory 12-business-day waiting period after application before closing — this cannot be waived. Additionally, there’s a 3-business-day right of rescission after signing. Realistically, plan for 21–30 days from application to funded. We structure the timeline to minimize any additional delays.
Can I use a HELOC as a down payment on another home in Texas?
Yes — this is one of the most powerful wealth-building strategies for Texas homeowners. Use your HELOC proceeds as a down payment on a second home or investment property. Combined with a DSCR investor loan on the rental property, you can acquire an income-producing asset with very little out-of-pocket cash. We can structure both loans simultaneously.
What are the closing costs on a HELOC or home equity loan?
Many HELOCs carry low or no closing costs. Home equity loans typically have costs similar to a refinance — roughly 2–5% of the loan amount, covering appraisal, title work, and lender fees. We provide a full fee disclosure upfront before you commit to anything.
Can I pay off my HELOC or equity loan early?
Most Texas HELOCs and home equity loans have no prepayment penalty. You can pay off your balance at any time without extra fees — giving you complete flexibility to manage the debt on your terms.
Adam Bartling
Loan Officer · NMLS# 2213358 · Movement Mortgage · Serving Texas & 30+ States
Adam is a retired U.S. Army Captain with 22 years of military service who now applies that same discipline to helping Texas homeowners navigate equity loans, HELOCs, and the full range of home financing options. He has guided hundreds of borrowers through Texas’s unique homestead equity rules — from the 80% LTV cap to the mandatory 12-day waiting period — ensuring clients are never surprised at the closing table.
Adam’s education-first approach means he compares every option — HELOC, home equity loan, and cash-out refinance — with each client before recommending a path. As a direct lender through Movement Mortgage, he shops multiple lenders to deliver competitive rates across Texas and 30+ states.
Explore Other Texas Loan Programs
We offer a full range of home financing options across Texas and 30+ states.
