Watermark Exclusive

Access your full home equity

The Expanded Access Home Equity Loan lets qualified homeowners borrow up to 100% of their home’s value—as a second mortgage that sits behind your existing loan, so you keep the rate you already have. No refinancing. No traditional appraisal in many cases. Just faster access to the equity you’ve earned.

Check My Eligibility
  • No impact on your credit score to check eligibility.
Maximum CLTV
Keep Your Low Rate
0
%
Combined Loan-to-Value
Watermark Equity Unlock 100%
Typical Bank Limit 80%
Standard Bank
Expanded Access

KEEP YOUR RATE

100% EQUITY UNLOCK

INTEREST-ONLY PHASE

Is Expanded Access right for you?

This product is specifically engineered for equity-rich homeowners who need liquidity but refuse to surrender their 1st mortgage rate.

I want to zero-out high-interest debt.

Restructure High-Interest Debt

If you are carrying significant balances on credit cards (20%+ APR) or personal loans, Expanded Access allows you to wipe those out. The interest-only initial phase ensures your new monthly payment stays manageable while you regain control of your cash flow.

I want to bring my renovation to life.

Major Home Improvements

Designed for large-scale projects like ADUs, pools, or complete remodels. Since we use AVM digital valuations, we can often skip the physical appraisal—getting your project funded in days, not months, using up to 100% of your equity.

I want to keep my current low rate

Strategic Liquidity

Perfect for homeowners with a 1st mortgage rate below 4%. You keep your existing low-cost loan exactly as it is. Expanded Access sits behind it, providing institutional-grade capital without the cost and friction of a total refinance.

I want to fund my next investment.

Capitalize on New Opportunities

Use the equity in your primary residence to secure a down payment on a second home or vacation property. Expanded Access provides the liquidity you need to make a competitive offer elsewhere while keeping your current mortgage exactly as it is.

Who is this not for?

Transparency is part of our boutique approach. While we aim to provide solutions for every homeowner, this specific program is a specialized tool optimized for the following scenarios:

  • Equity Position: Designed for funding needs of $75,000 to $250,000
  • Credit Profile: Best suited for stable credit profiles (660+ FICO benchmark)
  • Property Type: Engineered specifically for equity in owner-occupied homes.
See If I Qualify
  • Start your confidential review. Zero obligation to move forward.

Expanded Access vs. Traditional Home Equity Lenders

Expanded Access is designed for homeowners who need liquidity but refuse to surrender their current low mortgage rate.

FeatureTypical LendersWatermark Expanded Access
Maximum Equity Limits80% – 90% CLTVUp to 100% CLTV
First Mortgage ImpactRefinance required for cash-outNone (Sits in second position)
Payment StructurePrincipal + interest immediatelyInitial interest-only period
Appraisal RequiredPhysical appraisal required (weeks)AVM accepted in many cases (days)
UNDERWRITING & QUALIFICATION SPECS
UnderwritingAutomated AlgorithmsManual (Human Review)
Rate TypeVariable line of credit (HELOC)Fixed-rate after initial period
Minimum Credit ScoreVaries (Often 720+ for high LTV)660 FICO Minimum
Loan AmountsVaries—often lower limits$75,000 – $250,000
View My Options
  • Personalized analysis based on your specific property and equity position.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes — that is exactly the scenario this product was designed for. If your home has appreciated and you have significant equity, but a traditional lender won’t go above 80-90% combined LTV, Expanded Access fills that gap. As long as your combined loan-to-value (first mortgage balance + Expanded Access loan) does not exceed 100% of your home’s current value, you may qualify — subject to credit, income, and property eligibility.

Most traditional lenders require you to keep a 20% ‘equity cushion’ because they’re constrained by secondary market guidelines. Expanded Access is a proprietary product we hold and service ourselves, which means we can set our own underwriting standards. We use manual underwriting — a human expert reviews your specific financial profile — to allow qualified homeowners (minimum 660 FICO) to access the full value of their equity as a second mortgage, without refinancing their first loan.

During the initial phase of the loan, your required payment covers only the interest on the loan — not the principal balance. This keeps your monthly payment as low as possible during the period when you’re using the funds. After this initial period, the loan automatically converts to a fully amortizing fixed-rate loan for the remainder of the term, and you begin paying down the principal. Your payment will increase at this conversion point, so plan accordingly.

In many cases, no. Traditional loans require a physical appraisal — a licensed appraiser visits your home, which can take 2-4 weeks and add several hundred dollars to your costs. Expanded Access often uses an Automated Valuation Model (AVM) instead — a digital analysis of comparable sales and property data that verifies your home’s value in days, not weeks. Whether an AVM is accepted depends on your specific property and loan details.

No. Expanded Access is a second-lien product — it sits behind your existing first mortgage and does not replace it, refinance it, or change its terms in any way. This is specifically designed for homeowners who have a favorable first mortgage rate they want to protect. You keep your current loan and payment exactly as they are. The Expanded Access loan is a completely separate, additional loan secured by your home equity.

A cash-out refinance replaces your entire first mortgage with a new, larger loan at today’s rates. If your current first mortgage has a rate of 3-4%, refinancing today to access your equity could cost you significantly more in monthly interest for the life of the loan. Expanded Access is a second mortgage — it adds a new loan behind your existing first without touching it. You keep your current rate on your first mortgage and simply add the equity access you need as a separate loan. For most homeowners with low-rate first mortgages, this math is significantly more favorable than a cash-out refinance.

No. While Expanded Access shares some characteristics with private lending — speed, flexibility, manual underwriting — it is a structured, regulated mortgage product with transparent terms, a fixed-rate conversion, and predictable payments. It is not a short-term bridge loan, it does not have balloon payments, and it is not priced like hard money. It is a structured mortgage product featuring an initial interest-only period followed by a fully amortizing fixed repayment term

Because we use manual underwriting and an AVM in many cases, we eliminate two of the biggest delays in traditional lending: the automated underwriting queue and the physical appraisal schedule. While every loan is different, our goal is to move qualified borrowers from application to funding significantly faster than a bank or credit union. Contact us for current estimated timelines based on your specific situation.

The minimum credit score is 660 FICO. However, your credit tier affects how much of your equity you can access. Tier 1 borrowers (780+ FICO) and Tier 2 borrowers (720-779 FICO) may qualify for up to 100% CLTV. Tier 3 borrowers (660-719 FICO) typically qualify for 90-95% CLTV. Your full financial profile — income, DTI, property type — is also reviewed as part of manual underwriting.

Eligible property types include single-family homes (attached and detached), planned unit developments (PUDs), condominiums, and duplexes. The property must be your primary residence — the Expanded Access loan is not available for investment properties, rental properties, or second homes. Mobile homes, manufactured homes, and commercial properties are not eligible. If you’re unsure whether your property qualifies, call us at 800-896-9374 for a quick eligibility check.

Loan amounts range from $75,000 minimum to $250,000 maximum. The actual amount you can borrow depends on your home’s current value, your existing mortgage balance, your credit tier, and your combined loan-to-value ratio. Use the equity calculator on this page to get an estimate based on your specific numbers.

The Expanded Access  Home Equity Loan is available in 48 states. It is not currently available in Texas or West Virginia. Texas law prohibits cash-out second mortgage products (Texas Constitution Section 50(a)(6)), and we are not currently licensed in West Virginia. If you are in Texas or West Virginia and need equity access, contact us to discuss alternative options.

Yes — and it is one of the most common and financially effective use cases. Many borrowers use Expanded Access to consolidate high-interest credit card debt, personal loans, or other variable-rate obligations into a single, lower-rate home equity loan. The initial interest-only period can make the monthly payment significantly lower than the combined minimum payments you’re currently making on multiple debts. As with any loan secured by your home, carefully consider the implications before consolidating unsecured debt into a mortgage product.

Interest rates for the Expanded Access loan vary depending on several individual factors, including your credit score (FICO), the total loan amount, and your Combined Loan-to-Value (CLTV) ratio. Because market rates fluctuate, we do not post static rates online. Instead, we provide transparent, personalized rate quotes tailored to your specific financial profile. Contact our team or apply online today to see current rates and find out what you qualify for!

There are two key structural differences. First, Expanded Access is a closed-end loan — you receive the full amount at closing and repay it on a set schedule. A HELOC is a revolving line of credit you draw from as needed. Second, Expanded Access converts to a fully fixed rate after the initial interest-only period. Most HELOCs are variable-rate for their entire term, which means your payment can change as interest rates move. Expanded Access is better for borrowers who want a specific lump sum and long-term payment predictability. A HELOC may be better for borrowers who need flexible access to funds over time.

Ready to unlock your equity?

Experience a low-pressure, advisor-led process. No credit pull required to see your options.

01
  • Share Your Goals

Tell us what you want to achieve with your home equity.

02
  • Expert Review

We’ll personally determine if Expanded Access is your best path.

03
  • Act with Confidence

Get a clear equity analysis and a roadmap to funding.

Get Started Now
  • Takes less than 60 seconds to start. No obligation to move forward.

Expanded Access is a proprietary second-lien mortgage product. This is not a commitment to lend or an offer of a specific interest rate. All loan applications are subject to credit approval, manual underwriting, and property eligibility. Maximum Combined Loan-to-Value (CLTV) limits and available loan amounts may vary based on FICO® score, property type, and occupancy. Interest-Only Period: This product features an initial interest-only period. During this time, payments do not reduce the principal balance of the loan. At the end of this period, your monthly payment will increase to include both principal and interest to ensure the loan is paid in full by the maturity date. Market Conditions: Rates and terms are subject to change without notice. Soft credit inquiries do not affect your credit score; however, a hard credit pull will be required to move forward with a formal application. Watermark Capital, Inc. is an Equal Housing Lender. NMLS #1838.

Expanded Access Home Equity Loan

Up to 100% Combined Loan-to-Value (CLTV)

The Expanded Access Home Equity Loan lets qualified homeowners borrow up to 100% of their home’s value — as a second mortgage that sits behind your existing loan, so you keep the rate you already have. No refinancing. No traditional appraisal in many cases. Just faster access to the equity you’ve earned.

Available in 48 states. Loan amounts from $75,000 to $250,000. Minimum 660 FICO.

A Quick Look at Expanded Access Loan Benefits

  • Up to 100% CLTV
  • AVM accepted in lieu of appraisal in many cases
  • Faster approvals with manual underwriting
  • Predictable payments with interest-only flexibility
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Best for: Homeowners who need maximum cash-out without long delays or traditional lending roadblocks.

Who is Expanded Access Best For?

If you need to maximize your borrowing power without the delays of a traditional bank, this product was built for you.

The "High-Equity" Project

Homeowners who need more cash than a traditional 80% loan can provide (e.g., a total home addition or major debt consolidation). While traditional loans stop at 80% of your home’s value, Expanded Access™ allows qualified homeowners to access up to 100% of their equity.

The Time-Sensitive Borrower

Those who need funding quickly and want to avoid the delays of a traditional appraisal. Instead of waiting weeks for an appraiser to visit your home, we can verify your value digitally and get you to the closing table significantly faster.

The Cash-Flow Conscious

Anyone who wants the lowest possible monthly payment for the first 5 years to maximize their current budget. For the first 5 years, you have the option to make interest-only payments. After 5 years, it converts to a stable, fixed-rate loan.
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Expanded Access Home Equity Loan Eligibility Requirements

Most home equity products have “roadblocks”—strict equity limits, long appraisal wait times, and rigid payment structures. We built Expanded Access to remove those hurdles. While traditional loans stop at 80% of your home’s value, Expanded Access allows qualified homeowners to access up to 100% of their equity. It’s a proprietary solution that offers the high-limit access of a personal loan with the lower interest rates of a mortgage.

  • Instead of waiting weeks for a physical appraisal, we use Automated Valuation Models (AVM) in many cases. This can shave significant time off your approval process.
  • Most loans require you to pay back principal and interest immediately. This product features a 5-year Interest-Only period, giving you lower monthly payments while you get your project off the ground.
  • Rather than being processed by a rigid algorithm, we use Manual Underwriting. This means a human expert reviews your story, allowing for faster approvals and fewer "traditional" lending roadblocks.
Apply Now

Expanded Access Home Equity Loan — Frequently Asked Questions

These are the questions we hear most from homeowners exploring Expanded Access. If your question isn’t answered here, call us at 800-896-9374 or use the form below — a real loan expert will respond, not a bot.

A: Most traditional lenders require you to keep a 20% ‘equity cushion’ because they’re constrained by secondary market guidelines. Expanded Access is a proprietary product we hold and service ourselves, which means we can set our own underwriting standards. We use manual underwriting — a human expert reviews your specific financial profile — to allow qualified homeowners (minimum 660 FICO) to access the full value of their equity as a second mortgage, without refinancing their first loan.

A: During the initial phase of the loan, your required payment covers only the interest on the loan — not the principal balance. This keeps your monthly payment as low as possible during the period when you’re using the funds. After this initial period, the loan automatically converts to a fully amortizing fixed-rate loan for the remainder of the term, and you begin paying down the principal. Your payment will increase at this conversion point, so plan accordingly.

A: In many cases, no. Traditional loans require a physical appraisal — a licensed appraiser visits your home, which can take 2-4 weeks and add several hundred dollars to your costs. Expanded Access often uses an Automated Valuation Model (AVM) instead — a digital analysis of comparable sales and property data that verifies your home’s value in days, not weeks. Whether an AVM is accepted depends on your specific property and loan details.

A: No. Expanded Access is a second-lien product — it sits behind your existing first mortgage and does not replace it, refinance it, or change its terms in any way. This is specifically designed for homeowners who have a favorable first mortgage rate they want to protect. You keep your current loan and payment exactly as they are. The Expanded Access loan is a completely separate, additional loan secured by your home equity.

A: No. While Expanded Access shares some characteristics with private lending — speed, flexibility, manual underwriting — it is a structured, regulated mortgage product with transparent terms, a fixed-rate conversion, and predictable payments. It is not a short-term bridge loan, it does not have balloon payments, and it is not priced like hard money. It is a structured mortgage product featuring an initial interest-only period followed by a fully amortizing fixed repayment term

A: Because we use manual underwriting and an AVM in many cases, we eliminate two of the biggest delays in traditional lending: the automated underwriting queue and the physical appraisal schedule. While every loan is different, our goal is to move qualified borrowers from application to funding significantly faster than a bank or credit union. Contact us for current estimated timelines based on your specific situation.

A: The minimum credit score is 660 FICO. However, your credit tier affects how much of your equity you can access. Tier 1 borrowers (780+ FICO) and Tier 2 borrowers (720-779 FICO) may qualify for up to 100% CLTV. Tier 3 borrowers (660-719 FICO) typically qualify for 90-95% CLTV. Your full financial profile — income, DTI, property type — is also reviewed as part of manual underwriting.

A: Loan amounts range from $75,000 minimum to $250,000 maximum. The actual amount you can borrow depends on your home’s current value, your existing mortgage balance, your credit tier, and your combined loan-to-value ratio. Use the equity calculator on this page to get an estimate based on your specific numbers.

A: The Expanded Access  Home Equity Loan is available in 48 states. It is not currently available in Texas or West Virginia. Texas law prohibits cash-out second mortgage products (Texas Constitution Section 50(a)(6)), and we are not currently licensed in West Virginia. If you are in Texas or West Virginia and need equity access, contact us to discuss alternative options.

A: Yes — and it is one of the most common and financially effective use cases. Many borrowers use Expanded Access to consolidate high-interest credit card debt, personal loans, or other variable-rate obligations into a single, lower-rate home equity loan. The initial interest-only period can make the monthly payment significantly lower than the combined minimum payments you’re currently making on multiple debts. As with any loan secured by your home, carefully consider the implications before consolidating unsecured debt into a mortgage product.

A: Interest rates for the Expanded Access loan vary depending on several individual factors, including your credit score (FICO), the total loan amount, and your Combined Loan-to-Value (CLTV) ratio. Because market rates fluctuate, we do not post static rates online. Instead, we provide transparent, personalized rate quotes tailored to your specific financial profile. Contact our team or apply online today to see current rates and find out what you qualify for!

A: There are two key structural differences. First, Expanded Access is a closed-end loan — you receive the full amount at closing and repay it on a set schedule. A HELOC is a revolving line of credit you draw from as needed. Second, Expanded Access converts to a fully fixed rate after the initial interest-only period. Most HELOCs are variable-rate for their entire term, which means your payment can change as interest rates move. Expanded Access is better for borrowers who want a specific lump sum and long-term payment predictability. A HELOC may be better for borrowers who need flexible access to funds over time.

A: Yes — that is exactly the scenario this product was designed for. If your home has appreciated and you have significant equity, but a traditional lender won’t go above 80-90% combined LTV, Expanded Access fills that gap. As long as your combined loan-to-value (first mortgage balance + Expanded Access loan) does not exceed 100% of your home’s current value, you may qualify — subject to credit, income, and property eligibility.

A: A cash-out refinance replaces your entire first mortgage with a new, larger loan at today’s rates. If your current first mortgage has a rate of 3-4%, refinancing today to access your equity could cost you significantly more in monthly interest for the life of the loan. Expanded Access is a second mortgage — it adds a new loan behind your existing first without touching it. You keep your current rate on your first mortgage and simply add the equity access you need as a separate loan. For most homeowners with low-rate first mortgages, this math is significantly more favorable than a cash-out refinance.

A: Eligible property types include single-family homes (attached and detached), planned unit developments (PUDs), condominiums, and duplexes. The property must be your primary residence — the Expanded Access loan is not available for investment properties, rental properties, or second homes. Mobile homes, manufactured homes, and commercial properties are not eligible. If you’re unsure whether your property qualifies, call us at 800-896-9374 for a quick eligibility check.

Ready to See How Much Equity You Can Access?

Most borrowers get a clear picture of their options in one conversation. There’s no pressure, no credit pull until you’re ready, and no obligation. Here’s what happens when you reach out:
  • You tell us about your home, your current mortgage, and what you're trying to accomplish.
  • We tell you honestly whether Expanded Access is the right fit — and if not, what alternatives might work.
  • If it looks like a fit, we walk you through a personalized equity analysis and next steps.

Call us at 800-896-9374 or use the form to get started. A real loan expert responds — not an automated system.

Estimates provided through this form are for informational purposes only. Final qualification based on creditworthiness, property eligibility, and underwriting review.

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