How much equity can you borrow

The cushion

Most home-secured products cap combined loan-to-value around 80–85% of value. Some go to 89% or 90% for a strong file. Almost nobody lets you borrow the entire stake.

Tappable equity ≈ (value × max CLTV) − current secured debt. On a $600,000 house with a $320,000 mortgage and an 80% cap: $480,000 − $320,000 = $160,000. The other $120,000 of equity stays in the house.

The cap is not the offer

Credit, income, debt-to-income, occupancy, state law, and the product all cut the number further. Texas homestead equity lending is constitutionally capped at 80% combined. A paid-off house has more room, not unlimited room.