Before tapping into your home equity, make sure you know how home equity loans and home equity lines of credit (HELOCs) work.

• Home Equity Debt Basics
• Why Home Equity Loans & Lines Are Popular
• Ways to Use Your Home Equity Money
• Pros and Cons of Home Equity Debt
• How to Choose Between a Home Equity Loan or 'Line'
• What Home Equity Lenders Look For
• The Cost of a Home Equity Loan
• Refinancing a Home Equity Loan
• More Money Basics