Check your home equity and loan-to-value ratio
Review your credit score and credit history
Compare lenders and HELOC offers
Gather required documents such as income, debt, and property information
Submit a HELOC application
Complete the home appraisal or valuation if required
Wait for lender underwriting and approval
Review the terms, fees, interest rate, and repayment rules
Sign the closing documents
Access the line of credit after the lender opens the account