Can I access my home equity without refinancing my low mortgage rate?

Yes. A HELOC or home equity loan lets you borrow against your equity as a second lien — your first mortgage rate stays untouched. This is the most popular option for homeowners who locked in rates below 4% and don't want to give them up.

Do Kaiser Permanente employees get special mortgage rates?

Yes. MyRateAdvisor has established relationships with lenders that offer exclusive discounted mortgage rates to employees of Kaiser Permanente, LAUSD, CalPERS, PG&E, UPS, FedEx, and many other major California employers.

How much home equity can I access?

Most lenders allow you to borrow up to 85% of your home's appraised value, minus what you owe on your mortgage. With California home values up significantly since 2020, many homeowners have $100,000–$500,000+ in accessible equity.

What is a HELOC and how does it work?

A Home Equity Line of Credit (HELOC) is a revolving credit line secured by your home. You draw funds as needed during a draw period (typically 10 years), then repay over a repayment period. Interest is only charged on what you borrow.

Is MyRateAdvisor free to use?

Yes. Getting a rate quote and equity analysis from MyRateAdvisor is completely free and no-obligation. Our advisors are compensated by lenders, not by charging you fees.

What credit score do I need for a home equity loan?

Most lenders require a minimum credit score of 620 for a home equity loan or HELOC, though scores of 720+ typically qualify for the best rates. MyRateAdvisor works with multiple lenders to find options across a range of credit profiles.

🏆 Exclusive employee mortgage rates available for:

Kaiser Permanente· LAUSD· CalPERS· PG&E· UPS· FedEx· and many more California organizations· Kaiser Permanente· LAUSD· CalPERS· PG&E· UPS· FedEx· and many more California organizations·

Check My Rate →

Employer Mortgage Benefit Program — California

Your employer unlocks a better mortgage rate.

Kaiser Permanente, LAUSD, CalPERS, PG&E, UPS, FedEx, and 30+ other California employers offer preferred mortgage rates to their employees. MyRateAdvisor connects you to those rates — free to check, no credit pull.

Employer-negotiated rates

Rate shopping across 20+ lenders

4,000+ homeowners served across California

🏆 Employee Exclusive

Employee Rate Advantage

Standard Market Rate

6.25%

30-yr fixed

Your Employee Rate 🏆

5.99%

Save $312/mo

*Rates subject to change at any time due to market conditions.

✅ Verified for Kaiser · LAUSD · CalPERS · More

About MyRateAdvisor

One of the Nation's Leading Mortgage Brokers.

MyRateAdvisor is one of the nation's leading mortgage brokers, with established relationships among top lenders across the United States. We are recognized for providing discounted mortgage rates to employees of some of California's most respected organizations.

With thousands of satisfied employee clients throughout California, MyRateAdvisor has built a reputation for delivering trusted service, competitive rates, and valuable employee mortgage benefits.

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Access to Top Lenders

We shop dozens of lenders to find your best rate

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Trusted Relationships

Relationships with multiple national lenders means better terms for you

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Outstanding Service

Experienced advisors who put your needs first

Workplace Mortgage Benefits

Member Rates for 30+ California Employers

Through established lender partnerships, we secure wholesale mortgage rates for employees of California's largest public and private sector organizations — rates not available at retail banks.

Kaiser Permanente LAUSD CalPERS PG&E UPS FedEx + Many More

How It Works

3 Steps to Access Your Equity

Unlock the value your home has built up since 2020. A HELOC (Home Equity Line of Credit) or home equity loan lets you borrow against that value without changing your existing mortgage rate.

Tell Us About Your Home

Fill out our simple form in under 2 minutes. No credit pull at this stage — just the basics to estimate your equity position.

See Your Options

An experienced advisor reaches out within 24 hours with personalized equity solutions — HELOC, home equity loan, or cash-out — whatever fits best.

Access Your Cash

Get the funds you need. A HELOC or home equity loan keeps your existing mortgage and rate intact. Your advisor will present all options side-by-side — with no obligation to proceed.

What We Offer

Equity Solutions That Work For You

You built the equity. We help you access it — without giving up the rate you worked hard to get.

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HELOC

A flexible line of credit secured by your home equity. Borrow what you need, when you need it.

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Home Equity Loan

A lump-sum loan at a fixed rate. Predictable payments, immediate access to cash.

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Cash-Out Refinance

Replace your mortgage and pull out equity. Best when rates are favorable for your situation.

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VA Cash-Out Refinance

Equity solutions for eligible veterans. VA (Veterans Affairs) loans offer unique cash-out programs for military homeowners.

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Equity Analysis

Free estimate of your current equity position based on recent comparable sales in your area.

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Unbiased Advice

We'll tell you if the numbers don't make sense. No pressure, ever.

Compare Options

HELOC vs. Home Equity Loan vs. Cash-Out Refinance

Not sure which product fits your situation? Here's a plain-language side-by-side.

Feature	HELOC	Home Equity Loan	Cash-Out Refinance
Existing mortgage	Stays intact	Stays intact	Replaced
How funds are received	Revolving line — draw as needed	Lump sum at closing	Lump sum at closing
Rate type	Variable	Fixed	Fixed or adjustable
Best for	Ongoing costs, preserving low rate	One-time large expense, fixed payments	Large lump sum when current rate > 6.5%
Typical closing time	2–4 weeks	3–5 weeks	4–6 weeks

Not sure which fits? Your advisor will compare all three for your specific situation at no cost. See also: full HELOC vs. cash-out guide →

Common Questions

What Homeowners Ask Us

Do I qualify for employee mortgage discounts?

Eligibility is based on employment at a partner organization — not credit score alone. If you work for a qualifying California employer, you may qualify for partner employer rates below the standard market average. The fastest way to confirm is a free rate check — no credit pull required.

Will a HELOC affect my existing mortgage rate?

No. A HELOC is a separate loan secured by your home equity. It does not replace or affect your existing mortgage or its rate in any way. This is the key reason most California homeowners with sub-5% rates choose a HELOC over a cash-out refinance.

How long until I get my funds?

HELOCs typically close in 2–4 weeks. Home equity loans take 3–5 weeks. Cash-out refinances typically take 4–6 weeks. Your advisor will give you a realistic timeline based on your specific situation and lender selection.

Is there any cost to check my rate?

No. The initial rate check is completely free, requires no credit pull, and carries no obligation to proceed. A hard credit inquiry only happens if you choose to move forward with a formal loan application.

How is MyRateAdvisor different from my bank?

MyRateAdvisor is a mortgage broker (NMLS #1598577), meaning we shop your loan across multiple lenders — including wholesale lenders that don't deal directly with consumers. Banks can only offer their own products. We also specialize in employee mortgage discounts that retail banks don't offer. Learn more: mortgage broker vs. bank →

Live Market Data

Today's Mortgage Rates & Economy

Current rates sourced directly from the Federal Reserve. Updated weekly.

You're all set!

A Rate Advisor will reach out within 24 hours with your personalized rate options.
Check your inbox — and your phone.

Client Stories

Real People, Real Savings

★★★★★

"MyRateAdvisor saved me $342/month on my refinance. My advisor was honest, fast, and never pushed me toward anything I didn't need."

Sarah M.

Los Angeles, CA

★★★★★

"First-time buyer, completely overwhelmed. My Rate Advisor walked me through every step and got me a lower rate than any bank offered directly."

James T.

San Diego, CA

★★★★★

"They advised me not to refinance when the numbers didn't make sense. That kind of honesty is rare — I trust them completely now."

Michelle R.

Riverside, CA

Coming Soon

MyRateAdvisor

Where Smart Rates Meet
Smarter Banking.

High-yield savings accounts, checking, and more — built for homeowners who expect more from their money. One platform for your mortgage and your banking.

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High-Yield Savings

Earn more on every dollar

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Checking Account

Fee-free, integrated

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Down Payment Savings

Save smarter, buy sooner

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One-Stop Platform

Mortgage + banking unified

Be the first to know.

Join the waitlist for early access.

Your employer unlocks a better mortgage rate.

One of the Nation's Leading Mortgage Brokers.

3 Steps to Access Your Equity

Tell Us About Your Home

See Your Options

Access Your Cash

Equity Solutions That Work For You

HELOC

Home Equity Loan

Cash-Out Refinance

VA Cash-Out Refinance

Equity Analysis

Unbiased Advice

HELOC vs. Home Equity Loan vs. Cash-Out Refinance

What Homeowners Ask Us

You're all set!

Real People, Real Savings

Your Home Has Built Up Value. Let's Use It.

Where Smart Rates MeetSmarter Banking.

Where Smart Rates Meet
Smarter Banking.