Lauren Scungio
Lauren was the U.S. Country Manager a few years ago.
Biography
Lauren is a mortgage professional and personal finance writer in Scottsdal, Arizona. She enjoys creating interesting and educational content geared towards spreading financial literacy and helping people make the best financial decisions.
Experience
- Country Manager
Low-Income Home Equity Loans
**Yes, you can get a home equity loan with low income.** Lenders care more about your debt-to-income ratio, credit score, and how much equity you have in your home than about your raw income number. The national average home equity loan rate sits around 7.84% as of early 2026, and homeowners with strong equity positions can qualify even on modest incomes. The key is understanding what lenders actually evaluate and positioning your application to highlight your strengths. This guide breaks down the real requirements, practical strategies to improve your odds, and alternative options if a traditional home equity loan doesn't work out.
Down Payment
Most people think they need 20% down to buy a house. That belief stops a lot of would-be homeowners from even starting the process. The reality is very different. According to the National Association of Realtors, the median down payment for all home buyers is around 15% of the purchase price. First-time buyers put down a median of just 10%, and many loan programs let you start with as little as 3% or even 0% down. This guide breaks down exactly how much you need for a down payment on a house, what each loan type requires, and how to get the money together faster.