One of the major benefits of owning a home is equity. But what is equity, and why is it so valuable? Equity is the difference between the home's current worth and what is owed on the mortgage. Simply put, if you owe 200,000 on your mortgage loan and your home is worth $250,000, you have $50,000 of equity.

The primary driver of equity growth is the rising of home prices, and if you've been a homeowner in the past 5 years or so, you are in luck because your net worth got a boost due to the significant rise of home prices in the previous years. Even if home appreciation has slowed this year, doesn't mean you have lost all equity in your home.

According to the recent report on Homeowner Equity Insights that CoreLogic released, data has shown that the average homeowner gained approximately $34,300 in equity during the past year alone.

Why is equity valuable? Equity not only helps you increase your overall net worth but it can also be leveraged to help you achieve your other financial goals! Yes, you can tap your equity for a variety of investments.

Including:

1.) Higher Education

 If you think you can benefit from additional education but don't have the funds readily available, consider getting a home equity loan to pay for that education. Think of it as an investment in yourself and your future.

2.) Home Improvements

If you want to update your living space or if you are getting ready to sell, you can use your home equity to invest in home improvements. If you research properly what home improvements offer the best returns, this can even increase your home's value above and beyond its sticker price, which will help you build more equity on your property. 

3.) Business Venture

If you have a great business idea in mind and need financing to get your business up and running, a home equity loan is an easy and straightforward option.

4.) Real Estate

If you are thinking of getting an investment property, you can use the equity in your home to buy another property.

Whatever your financial goals are, you can tap the equity you've gained over time to help you fuel your next move.  

If you're interested in finding out just how much equity you have in your current home and how you can use it to fuel your financial goal, connect with your trusted RE/MAX Advanced Realty Agent, Today!