If you purchased in an area that has experienced home value growth while you’ve been paying down your mortgage, you could have a substantial amount of equity in your home.
Equity is calculated by subtracting the remainder of your mortgage from the market value of your home, usually done through a home evaluation.
You could also draw down on your equity to help fund a renovation or upgrade your home. And, if you want to, you could use your equity to help purchase an investment property.