Home equity loans and home equity lines of credit (HELOCs) allow homeowners to tap into the value of their homes.Home equity loan is a fixed-rate, lump-sum loan that allows homeowners to borrow up to 85% of their home's value and pay it back in installments.HELOC is a variable-rate second mortgage that provides a revolving line of credit based on the home's value.Both options use the home as collateral, and failure to repay can result in the seizure of the property.