Learn how to get the best rate on a home equity loan ...

Do you need a home appraisal to qualify for a HELOC or home equity loan? While you've been focused on everything else life throws at you, your property has been working behind the scenes. Most people ...

Decide whether a home equity loan or line of credit is best suited for your financial goals ...

Helocs offer more flexibility, but personal loans have looser eligibility requirements ...

Home equity loans and home equity lines of credit (HELOCs) allow homeowners to tap into the value of their homes. A home equity loan is a fixed-rate, lump-sum loan that allows homeowners to borrow up ...

Matt Richardson is the senior managing editor for the Managing Your Money section for CBSNews.com. He writes and edits content about personal finance ranging from savings to investing to insurance.

While you've been focused on everything else life throws at you, your property has been working behind the scenes. Most people build equity as they pay down their mortgage and property values rise.