Homeowners across the U.S. tapped into $25 billion in equity last quarter—the biggest Q1 total since 2008, according to ICE Mortgage Technology. And here in San Jose and Silicon Valley, we're seeing the impact firsthand.

Why the surge? HELOC rates have dropped by 2.5 percentage points, and homeowners are sitting on an all-time high of $11.5 trillion in tappable equity—averaging over $200,000 per mortgage holder.

This shift is fueling a wide range of moves:

• Home renovations instead of relisting

• Debt consolidation or increased buying power

• Parents helping adult children purchase homes

• Investments in second homes

• Strategic moves—downsizing or upgrading—without refinancing at today’s higher rates

What we’re seeing is a more empowered homeowner—people using their equity as a tool, not just a number on paper. And that’s changing the rhythm of the local real estate market in places like Willow Glen, Campbell, and Almaden Valley.

Thinking about how to put your home equity to work?
👉 Visit our Google Business page to explore reviews, local insights, and more.