One of the advantages of being a homeowner is building equity.  Your home's equity can be leveraged as a home equity loan or line of credit with your first mortgage.  Borrowers choose to get a home equity line of credit (HELOC) to pay off or consolidate debt, improve their home through an addition, pay for college, go on a vacation or buy a car.  A HELOC can be the key to unlocking the equity in your home to make your financial dreams come true.