Fund Your Renovation With the Equity You've Already Built
Turn your home's value into a flexible line of credit for that addition, kitchen remodel, or major upgrade. See how much you can access and what your payment could look like — in about 2 minutes.
Takes 2 minutes · No credit impact
4.9/5 from local homeowners
NMLS #518446
Estimated equity available
$118,500
Based on a typical Columbus home with 35% equity
See What Your Equity Can Do
Answer a few quick questions and Shannon will send you a preliminary look at how much you could borrow, your likely rate range, and an estimated payment for your renovation budget.
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No credit impact — this is a soft review that won't affect your score.
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Under 2 minutes — no paperwork or document uploads required to start.
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Real numbers — a personalized estimate for your actual property, not a generic guess.
HELOC or Cash-Out Refinance?
Two smart ways to fund your project. Here's how they compare — and how Shannon helps you pick the right one.
Home Equity Line of Credit
A revolving line you draw from as your project moves forward. Perfect for phased renovations where costs unfold over time.
- Borrow only what you need, when you need it
- Keep your existing low first-mortgage rate intact
- Interest charged only on the amount you draw
Cash-Out Refinance
Replace your current mortgage with a larger one and take the difference in cash — ideal when you want one fixed payment for a big, all-at-once project.
- One lump sum for large upfront costs
- Predictable fixed-rate monthly payment
- Potential to consolidate other debt at once
Shannon reviews your scenario personally — no obligation.
A Simple, Modern Path to Your Equity
No confusing bank runaround. Four clear steps from curiosity to funds in hand.
Step 1
Estimate Your Equity
Share a few quick details and see a preliminary figure for how much you can access.
Step 2
Strategy Call With Shannon
We map your renovation budget to the right product — HELOC or cash-out — and lock in a plan.
Step 3
Fast, Digital Approval
Lower's tech-forward process moves quickly — upload documents online and track every step.
Step 4
Fund Your Project
Access your funds and start building — knowing you've invested in your home's value.
How Home Equity Works — In Plain English
Shannon breaks down what tapping your equity really means for your budget, your payment, and your home's future value.
Understanding Your Home Equity Options
Shannon Rodriguez · Lower
Homeowners Who Put Their Equity to Work
Real Columbus-area families who funded their renovations with Shannon's guidance.
"We wanted to add a primary suite but weren't sure how to pay for it. Shannon showed us we had way more equity than we realized and set us up with a HELOC. We only draw what we spend — no wasted interest. The addition is done and we love it."
Marcus & Priya T.
Dublin, OH · Home Addition
"Shannon walked me through HELOC versus a cash-out refi with actual numbers side by side. She never made me feel pressured. A cash-out made more sense for my full kitchen and bath remodel, and I locked a great fixed rate."
Danielle R.
Westerville, OH · Kitchen & Bath
"The whole process felt modern — everything online, fast responses, and Shannon actually answered her phone when I had questions. We finished our basement into a home office and gym. Best investment we've made in this house."
Kevin M.
Hilliard, OH · Basement Finish
Former Sr. Underwriter
Knows the guidelines inside out
Meet Your Loan Officer
Shannon Rodriguez
Sr. Loan Officer, Lower · NMLS #518446
Since starting my career, mortgages and real estate have been my passion. I began as a senior mortgage underwriter, gaining in-depth knowledge of industry guidelines and the technical mechanics behind every approval. That foundation is exactly why homeowners trust me with equity decisions — I know precisely what it takes to get you the most from your home's value.
When you're planning a renovation, you deserve someone who can translate complex loan math into clear, confident choices. I'll help you understand how much you can access, what your payment will actually look like, and whether a HELOC or cash-out refinance is the smarter move for your project — no pressure, ever.
10+
Years in mortgages
4.9★
Client rating
100%
Guideline expertise
Licensed & Verified
NMLS #518446
Competitive Rates
Powered by Lower's platform
Fast Digital Process
Track everything online
Personal Guidance
Every step, real support
Home Equity Questions, Answered
The things renovation-minded homeowners ask Shannon most.
How much of my equity can I actually access?
Most lenders let you borrow up to 80–85% of your home's value, minus what you still owe. For example, a $400,000 home with a $250,000 balance could unlock roughly $70,000–$90,000. Shannon will run your exact figures so you know your real number before you plan your budget.
Will checking my options hurt my credit score?
No. The pre-qualification is a soft review — it gives you a preliminary look at what you may qualify for without any impact to your credit score. A hard pull only happens later, and only with your permission, once you decide to move forward.
Should I choose a HELOC or a cash-out refinance?
It depends on your project and your current mortgage. A HELOC is ideal for phased renovations where costs come over time and you want to keep your existing low first-mortgage rate. A cash-out refinance suits large, all-at-once projects where you want one predictable fixed payment. Shannon compares both with your real numbers so the choice is obvious.
Is borrowing against my home a smart financial move?
When you reinvest in your property, you're often increasing its market value — a kitchen remodel or added square footage can return a meaningful portion of the cost. Equity financing typically carries far lower rates than credit cards or personal loans, making it one of the smarter ways to fund improvements. Shannon will help you weigh the payment impact against the value you're building.
How long does the whole process take?
The pre-qualification takes about 2 minutes. From there, Lower's digital process moves quickly — many home equity approvals close in a few weeks. Shannon keeps you updated at every step and is always reachable if a question comes up.
Your Renovation Is Closer Than You Think
Most homeowners are surprised by how much equity they've built. See your personalized numbers and turn that value into the home you've been picturing.
Takes 2 minutes · No credit impact · No obligation
Shannon Rodriguez · NMLS #518446
Serving Columbus, OH
