Home Equity & Second Mortgages

Tap your home equity without touching your first mortgage

You locked in a great rate. Keep it. A second mortgage lets you put your equity to work without refinancing the loan you already have — and we have paths for borrowers other lenders turn away.

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Victor Calaguian profile picture
Victor Calaguian
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We had an outstanding experience working with Martin and his team at Watermark while purchasing our first home. As first-time homebuyers, the process felt overwhelming at times, but Martin guided us every step of the way with professionalism, patience, and expertise. His team was responsive, professional, and kept everything moving smoothly from start to finish. Their communication and attention to detail made what could have been a stressful process feel easy and manageable. We are so grateful for Martin, Dana, and the entire Watermark team for helping us buy our first home. We couldn't have asked for a better lending partner and would highly recommend them to anyone looking for a knowledgeable and customer-focused mortgage team. Thank you for helping make this milestone possible!
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Adam Helfand profile picture
Adam Helfand
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Ron and Dana were outstanding in their attention to detail, professionalism, and assistance.
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Thu Nguyen profile picture
Thu Nguyen
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I'm glad I found this lender. They offered a competitive rate and reasonable closing costs. Mike and Dana were very helpful throughout the home-closing process. They responded quickly to my questions, and the loan closed quickly as well.
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Ally profile picture
Ally
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Worked with Ron Trejo to sort a refinance when I was buying an ex out of a house. He was very patient as the process (due to issues on my end with the ex) was dragged out a bit longer than it should have been. Definitely recommend, and I would refinance through them in the future!
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Jessica Samuel profile picture
Jessica Samuel
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Douazong Lee Was amazing through out the process. She was very honest and trustworthy. She was always available to help. She gave us the best rate and we are very happy.
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Jack H profile picture
Jack H
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The Finest Customer Service ... Period! I had the good fortune to reach Edie, Senior Servicing Manager for the bank when I had questions about our mortgage. She was one of the most knowledgeable financial professionals I have ever spoken with. She was preparing for an important meeting (which usually results in a transfer to another person/department). Did this happen? ... NO it did not. Despite her need for uninterrupted focus, she took my call, never made me feel rushed, and answered all my questions ... which took a good 15 minutes out of her day. One of the qualities I relished most about Edie was her enthusiasm and sense of humor. I felt like I was speaking with a good friend that really cared about me. I wish all my interactions were like that. Edie even went so far as to email me all the documents that I needed AND gave me her direct line, just in case I had more questions ... Who does that?? ... Clearly someone that loves their job and puts the bank's customers first. Watermark Capital is lucky to have Edie! If I could give her 10 stars I would. She's just that good. PS. If you're looking for an exceptional bank ... look no farther than Watermark Capital. I've had my mortgage with them for years and they are one of the most responsive and helpful banks I have ever dealt with.
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Gib Fugate profile picture
Gib Fugate
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My wife and I recently worked with Douazong Lee and Stephanie Marroquin and our experience could not have been more courteous, insightful and professional. Not only did we complete our mortgage refinance in less than a month but the interest rate and closing costs were the best we could find. We highly recommend Watermark Capital, Inc and Douazong and Stephanie! Gib and Jane Fugate, West Lafayette, IN
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Daniel Wernicke profile picture
Daniel Wernicke
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This is the second time I’ve refinanced with Watermark and, in both instances, they offered the best rate and were quick to close. Mike Greenberg and Dana Chupp are a breeze to work with and really do put in the effort to provide excellent service. They have a secure online portal for submitting and reviewing financial docs which gives me peace of mind that sensitive info isn’t kept in someone’s email inbox. I wouldn’t hesitate to refinance with Watermark again.
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Sean Kittridge profile picture
Sean Kittridge
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We worked with Ron Trejo at Watermark to refinance our mortgage, and it was an extremely positive experience. Ron was honest, knowledgeable, and always available when we had questions about numbers or next steps. It's a big decision, but Ron and Watermark made it a pleasant one.

Keep your existing first-lien rate

Multiple structures — lump sum or line

Paths for tougher scenarios

FIRST DECISION

A lump sum, or a line of credit?

Most second-mortgage choices come down to how you want to receive the money. Here’s the quick version.

TAKE IT ALL AT ONCE

Home Equity Loan

Traditional Second Mortgage

A fixed-rate, lump-sum loan secured by your home that offers predictable monthly payments and keeps your first mortgage in place. In many cases, valuation can be completed using an Automated Valuation Model (AVM) instead of a full appraisal, helping reduce time and cost.

DRAW AS YOU GO

HELOC

Home Equity Line of Credit

A revolving line you draw from when you need it — with variable and fixed-rate options. A flexible line of credit that works like a credit card tied to your home. Ideal for ongoing expenses or phased projects, with flexible access to your home’s equity.

Your options

Ways to put your equity to work

Choose by the shape of the money — or by your situation. Every option below leaves your first mortgage in place.

Fixed • Lump sum

A fixed-rate, fixed-term second mortgage. Predictable from day one.

Revolving • Flexible

A line of credit you draw from as you go, with several line structures.

Maximum access
Our proprietary option for borrowers who need to reach more of their equity. A hybrid ARM that converts to a fixed rate.
Self-employed

Qualify on your bank statements instead of tax returns.

Condo owners

A second mortgage when the condo project itself is the obstacle.

Investors

Pull equity from a rental, qualified on the property’s cash flow.

Strategy Hub

Run the Numbers

Map out your equity, test your cash flow, and check your qualification metrics before you ever speak to an advisor.

$
$
$
Current LTV 48.2%
Max Allowable CLTV 90.0%
Available Home Equity
$355,000
*Estimated cash available based on typical lending guidelines.
Discuss Your Options →
$
%
Standard Amortized Payment $3,160
Monthly Cash Savings $452
Interest-Only Monthly Payment
$2,708
*Estimated interest-only payment calculated on a 30-day billing cycle cycle.
Discuss Your Options →
$
$
Standard Guidelines Max 45.0%
Estimated Safe Bandwidth $1,600
Calculated DTI Ratio
25.0%
*Ratios under 43% represent stable parameters across standard portfolio guidelines.
Discuss Your Options →
YOU MAY STILL HAVE OPTIONS

Turned down somewhere else?

A “no” from one lender isn’t the whole market. Self-employed income, a condo in litigation, a rental property, a credit event a few years back — these are exactly the situations we’re built to look at.

HOW IT WORKS

Three steps, your first mortgage untouched

Choose by the shape of the money — or by your situation. Every option below leaves your first mortgage in place.

01

Consolidation, a project, cash for the next move — and a little about your property and situation.

02

We will line up the home equity option that fits how you want the money and the scenario you’re in.

03

Close your second and put your equity to work — while keeping the first-lien rate you already have.

 

QUESTIONS

Second-mortgage FAQ

A home equity loan gives you a single lump sum at a fixed rate with a set payment. A HELOC is a line of credit you draw from over time. Both are second mortgages that sit behind your existing first mortgage.

Yes — that’s the point of a second mortgage. Your first mortgage and its rate stay exactly as they are, and the second sits behind it.

It depends on the option, your property, and your profile. Some options reach more of your equity than others. We’ll walk you through what fits your situation.

You may still have options. Self-employed income, condo-project issues, investment properties, and past credit events are situations we’re set up to look at — talk to us before assuming the answer is no.

Financing as Versatile as Your Portfolio

Unlike a traditional personal loan or credit card, Home Equity products are secured by your property. This allows you to borrow larger amounts at significantly lower interest rates. These products sit behind your current loan, leaving your primary rate untouched.

Type Of Loans
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