Home › 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.
Posted on Adam HelfandTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Ron and Dana were outstanding in their attention to detail, professionalism, and assistance.Posted on Thu NguyenTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. 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.Posted on AllyTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. 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!Posted on Jessica SamuelTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. 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.Posted on Jack HTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. 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.Posted on Gib FugateTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. 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, INPosted on Daniel WernickeTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. 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.Posted on Sean KittridgeTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. 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.Posted on Risa GriffinTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. We had a great experience refinancing our home loan with Watermark Capital, Inc. Ron was responsive and thorough. He made sure we understood each step of the process and provided a clear and smooth experience.
Keep your existing first-lien rate
Multiple structures — lump sum or line
Paths for tougher scenarios
(see Licenses page for state availability)
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
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.
- Best for a known, one-time need
- Debt consolidation, a major project, a planned expense
- Same payment every month
DRAW AS YOU GO
HELOC
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.
- Best for ongoing or phased needs
- Renovations, flexible access, a safety net
- Borrow, repay, and borrow again during the draw period
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.
A fixed-rate, fixed-term second mortgage. Predictable from day one.
A line of credit you draw from as you go, with several line structures.
Bank-Statement Second
Qualify on your bank statements instead of tax returns.
Non-Warrantable Condo
A second mortgage when the condo project itself is the obstacle.
Investment-Property Second
Pull equity from a rental, qualified on the property’s cash flow.
Run the numbers
Map out your equity, test your cash flow, and check your qualification metrics before you ever speak to an advisor.
Loan-to-Value (LTV)
Interest-only (IO)
Debt-to-Income (DTI)
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.
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.
- Tell us your goal
Consolidation, a project, cash for the next move — and a little about your property and situation.
- We match the structure
We will line up the home equity option that fits how you want the money and the scenario you’re in.
- Act with Confidence
Close your second and put your equity to work — while keeping the first-lien rate you already have.
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.