Homebot is a fantastic conversation starter that displays opportunities to leverage their equity for eligible clients.
Clients with more than 35% of accrued home equity can explore ways to exercise and protect their equity:
Additionally, homeowners with 35% equity will see a notification in their monthly home report email, highlighting their estimated equity. The email will include a call to action inviting them to explore ways to leverage their equity, directing them to the equity options module in the homeowner report.
You may receive emails from clients asking to learn more about their options:
Start leveraging client cash-out refis to create a referral network by connecting your client with the relevant expert:
Financial advisors (CPAs & CFPs)
BNI groups
Debt specialists
Contractors & green energy companies
Once a client reaches out to you about using their equity:
Call your client right away
Get an understanding of their financial goals
See if they’d like an introduction to a specialist you trust
Ask both your client & the expert to share Homebot with their friends and family!
Learn more about the equity explorer options below:
Create an Emergency Fund
Use a HELOC to create access to reserve funds in an emergency (the dollar amount shown is the monthly loan payment x 12).
Make Home Improvements
Although home improvement is often highly recommended, Homebot is cautioning homeowners that most home improvements will NOT result in a positive return-on-income (or ROI). The dollar amount shown is the cash that can be taken out while still maintaining 80% loan-to-value. Homebot is also recommending your clients reach out to YOU, as the expert, for a more in-depth analysis of how home improvements affect their specific short and long-term goals.
Add more livable space
A twist on the home improvement option. This scenario encourages explicitly expanding the livable square footage in the house or building a detached accessory dwelling unit or ‘Granny Flat.’ This can result in an immediate rental income or more space to house an aging parent. The dollar amount shown is the cash that can be taken out while still maintaining 80% loan-to-value.
Eliminate credit card debt
Potentially one of the wisest uses of home equity, consolidating and/or paying down expensive credit card debt with a low-interest equity loan or line of credit. The dollar amount shown is based on the average credit card debt per household in America (approximately $16k).
Pay off student loan debt
Like credit card debt, this offers a way to reduce interest charges while building a credit history for the former student. The dollar amount shown is based on the average debt for a 2018 graduate (approximately $38k).
Go solar!
A fun take on home improvement. Adding solar panels can reduce the power bill and allows homeowners to qualify for a host of tax credits and other deductions. When opened, this tile includes a link to Google’s Sunroof project to see if adding solar panels makes sense for a specific home. The dollar amount shown is based on the average cost to install a 5kw system (approximately $17k).
Splurge on a European vacation:
A cheeky example of what not to do with your equity and includes links to better uses in the module. The dollar amount shown is the same for all homeowners at $15k.
Explore new investments
This tile is intended to let the homeowner know that there are many uses for home equity, and connecting with a professional for advice is the best first step! The dollar amount shown is the cash that can be taken out while still maintaining 80% loan-to-value.
Please note: These modules only display when a homeowner has more than 35% equity, totaling at least $25,000 or more.