Home equity loans and home equity lines of credit (HELOCs) allow homeowners to borrow against the value of their homes.A home equity loan is a fixed-rate, lump-sum loan that allows borrowers to repay the borrowed amount in monthly installments.A home equity line of credit is a variable-rate second mortgage that provides a revolving line of credit based on the home's value.Borrowing against home equity can be used for various purposes such as renovation projects, major investments, and long-term financial planning.