What Rising Home Equity Means for You (Even If You're Not Selling Yet)

Has your home's value gone up recently? Here's how to put that equity to work, even if you're staying put.

Over the past few years, homeowners in Sioux Falls and Harrisburg have seen their property values rise. Maybe you’ve checked your Zestimate. Maybe you’ve heard neighbors talk about what they sold for. Or maybe you’re just feeling the difference in how much your home is worth now compared to when you bought it.

Either way, chances are you’ve built up a healthy chunk of equity. And even if you’re not planning to sell anytime soon, that equity can still serve you in powerful ways.

Let’s break down what rising home equity means, how to calculate it, and why it matters right now.

What is equity, exactly?

Equity is the difference between what your home is worth and what you still owe on it. For example, if your home is valued at $350,000 and you owe $200,000 on your mortgage, you have $150,000 in equity.

That’s real value you’ve built, just by owning your home and paying your mortgage over time.

Why does equity matter if you’re not selling?

Equity gives you options. Even if you’re not listing your home, you can still leverage your equity to:

• Pay off high-interest debt
• Fund home improvements
• Make a down payment on a second property
• Help a family member with college or a first-time purchase
• Refinance into a better loan structure
  
  

Think of equity as a financial tool. The key is knowing when and how to use it wisely.

How can you access your equity?

There are a few ways:

• A home equity line of credit (HELOC) gives you flexible access, similar to a credit card
• A cash-out refinance replaces your existing mortgage with a new one that includes your withdrawn equity
• You can sell and use the profit to buy your next home in cash or with a smaller mortgage
  
  

Each option has pros and cons. That’s why it helps to talk through your long-term goals before making a move.

What if you're curious but not ready to decide?

No problem. I offer home equity check-ins with no pressure and no obligation. We look at what your home could realistically sell for in today's market and calculate your potential equity. This gives you a clear picture of your options, whether you're planning for next year or just exploring.

Final takeaway

Your equity isn’t just a number on paper. It’s financial freedom, future opportunity, and a tool you can use to support your goals. If you’re wondering what your home is worth or what you could do with that value, let’s have a conversation.

You don’t have to sell your home to make the most of it. You just need a strategy.

Want to know how much equity you’ve built? I’ll help you figure it out and explore your options with zero pressure.
julie@julierothrealestate.com
julierothrealestate.com

https://www.julierothrealestate.com/homevalue