That kitchen you’ve been picturing in your head…

 

That bathroom you’ve been meaning to update for a while…

 

Or that outdoor space you keep saying you’ll get around to one day…

 

 

Homeowners are expected to spend over $522 billion on home improvements by the end of 2026—and they’re not emptying their savings to do it. A lot of them are tapping into their home equity instead.

 

And if you’ve owned your home for 10+ years, there’s a good chance you could tap into your equity to help fund some upgrades too. Let’s walk through what you’ll want to know first.

 

 

Here’s what people are mainly using their equity for these days:

 

• Home improvements (45%)
• Paying down other debt or consolidating it (16%)
• Investing in additional properties (16%)

 

It might make sense for you to do the same, but here’s the thing: just because you can tap into your equity doesn’t mean you have to. And not every project is necessarily worth it, either.

 

If you’re thinking about going this route, it’s smart to focus on upgrades that really pay off. The best renovations are the ones that add value to your home. Even if you’re not planning to sell anytime soon, you’ll want to know you’re setting yourself up for success down the road.

 

And when you’re weighing your options, an agent can be a huge help. They have a good sense of what other homeowners are doing—and what buyers in your area are really looking for. That insight can make it a lot easier to narrow down your project list.

 

As National Association of Realtors (NAR) puts it:

 

“Being able to help sellers prioritize home improvements and maximize their net on the sale is a key value real estate agents offer.”

 

Here’s a quick look at the projects with the best chance of giving you a solid return, according to National Association of Realtors (see graph below). It’s a great starting point, but it still can’t replace the personalized insight an agent can offer.

 

 

 

A new front door can be a great upgrade—but it’s probably not something you’d want to tap into your equity for. Now, a kitchen revamp? That’s where using your equity can really help take some of the pressure off.

 

Whether your project made the list or not, it’s a good idea to chat with an agent first to make sure it’s really worth your time, money, and effort before bringing in any contractors.

 

And if you’re thinking about using your equity for a bigger project, it’s a good idea to sit down with a financial advisor too. They can help make sure you’re still in a healthy loan-to-value (LTV) range after tapping into your equity, so you’ve got all the info you need to make a confident decision.

 

Whether you’re planning to sell next year or just sprucing up your home, the right improvements now can really pay off down the road. And the best part? Your equity could be the key to making it happen.

 

 

Let’s chat for a few minutes to see if it’s the right move for your home.