Home equity line of credit · Since 1993

Get your line ready before the opportunity arrives.

The best opportunities rarely show up on schedule. Open a HELOC now, keep it on the sidelines with nothing drawn, and act the moment the right property, idea, degree or ADU comes along.

5.0 from 1,385 reviews
100,000+ homes financed
Oldest mortgage broker on the West Coast
Your HELOC
Ready
Line open. Nothing drawn. Ready when you are.
Approval
Done
Appraisal & paperwork
Done
Amount drawn
$0
Next opportunity
Whenever it appears

Illustration only. Interest is generally charged only on the amount you draw.

Prepare for what's next

Your home's equity can fund the future you're planning.

A HELOC is a flexible line you can draw on, repay and draw on again. Homeowners use it to be ready for four kinds of opportunity.

Real estate investing

A down payment on a rental, a property priced below market, or a fast, strong offer. Sellers favor buyers who can move.

Innovative business ideas

Launch, expand or bridge a venture with capital already in place, so a good idea doesn't stall while you wait on financing.

Higher education

Tuition for your kids or yourself, a certification or a career change. Draw only what each term requires.

Reinvesting in your home

Build an ADU, finish a remodel or add space. An ADU can add value to the property and create potential rental income.

A HELOC is secured by your home. Interest may be tax-deductible only when funds are used to buy, build or substantially improve the home; consult a tax advisor.

For homeowners

Open the line now. Use it when it counts.

Waiting until you need cash means doing paperwork under pressure. With a HELOC, approval, appraisal and documents are handled while there's no rush. The line sits open and unused until the right opportunity appears, and then the capital is already in place.

1

Open the line now

Approval, appraisal and paperwork done while there's no pressure.

2

Hold it on the sidelines

Nothing drawn. The line waits, ready, while you keep living your life.

3

Opportunity appears

A rental, a business, a semester, an ADU. The right move at the right time.

4

Draw and act

Move with confidence while others are still arranging funds.

Patience is key. But preparation is made by establishing resources in advance.

Patience

The best opportunities rarely arrive on schedule. You never have to force a deal.

Preparation

Set up your resources before you need them, not in the middle of the opportunity.

Access to capital

Ready capital is the best way to be prepared. Sellers favor buyers who can move.

A HELOC is secured by your home. Interest is generally charged only on the amount you draw, and some lines carry annual or inactivity fees. Rates, terms and eligibility vary; review the details with a licensed loan officer before you apply.

Start here

Three ways to get your line ready.

Pick the HELOC path that fits your timeline, or get pre-approved to buy. Every path is backed by a dedicated Mares loan officer.

Evan Yoder
Mortgage Loan Originator
NMLS 2673117 · DRE 02282850

Your dedicated Mares loan officer, with clear communication from application to funding.

Evan Yoder
Oscar Gonzalez
Senior Loan Officer
NMLS 339965 · DRE 1315161

Your dedicated Mares loan officer, with clear communication from application to funding.

Oscar Gonzalez
Michael Olmos
Senior Loan Originator
NMLS 2369025 · DRE 02177704

Your dedicated Mares loan officer, with clear communication from application to funding.

Michael Olmos
Cutberto Hernandez
Founder | Senior Loan Originator
NMLS 246094 · DRE 01095269

Your dedicated Mares loan officer, with clear communication from application to funding.

Cutberto Hernandez
Cubie Hernandez
Senior Loan Originator | Associate Broker
NMLS 246116 · DRE 01800998

Your dedicated Mares loan officer, with clear communication from application to funding.

Cubie Hernandez
Christian Hernandez
Senior Loan Originator | Associate Broker
NMLS 378369 · DRE 01887390

Your dedicated Mares loan officer, with clear communication from application to funding.

Christian Hernandez
Cameron Brinkman
Mortgage Loan Originator | Asset Manager
NMLS 2663179

Your dedicated Mares loan officer, with clear communication from application to funding.

Cameron Brinkman
Bridget Odden
Senior Loan Originator
NMLS 2017687 · DRE 02138373

Your dedicated Mares loan officer, with clear communication from application to funding.

Bridget Odden
HELOC · Guided

Loan Officer Assisted

AI-powered, with your loan officer guiding you through each step.

Personal help from a dedicated loan officer
Funding in about three weeks
Good fit for more complex situations
Start guided application
Home purchase

Buy a Home

Get pre-approved before you start touring homes.

Secure online purchase application
Pre-approval to strengthen your offer
Loan options reviewed with your loan officer
Start purchase application

Approval and funding timelines are estimates and depend on credit, property type, appraisal and documentation. Not a commitment to lend. All loans are subject to credit approval and underwriting.

Trusted results, success with Mares Mortgage.

Discover why thousands in Orange County and across the U.S. choose us for their mortgage needs. Our experience, speed, and dedication make homeownership easier than ever proven as the, Oldest Mortgage Broker on the West Coast.

Approval Success
99.9%
Pre-Approvals
48h
DAYS TO FULLY UNDERWRITE
1
AVERAGE DAYS IN ESCROW
17
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Explore our loan programs

Meet the experts behind your mortgage journey

Our experienced and dedicated mortgage professionals are here to guide you through every step of your mortgage journey. With expertise, care, and a client-first approach, we’re committed to turning your homeownership dreams into reality.

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Jeffry Shindler

Senior Loan Originator

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Cutberto Hernandez

Founder | Senior Loan Originator

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Cubie Hernandez

Senior Loan Originator | Associate Broker

Person Image
Christian Hernandez

Senior Loan Originator | Associate Broker

Person Image
Oscar Gonzalez

Senior Loan Officer

Person Image
Michael Olmos

Senior Loan Originator

Person Image
Bridget Odden

Senior Loan Originator

Affordable rates, flexible options for you

Whether you’re purchasing your first home, refinancing, or looking for a personal loan, we make the process simple and stress-free. Explore competitive rates, flexible terms, and personalized solutions designed to fit your financial goals.

"One of the best brokerages to work with. Best Loan officers with unmatched client experience and a pilar in the industry. 5 Stars all the way!"
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Rogelio Goertzen

Founder, HOME

"Mares is a very knowledgeable lender. They took every question I had (and I had a lot of them) and answered them thoroughly.They are very honest and trustworthy."
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Sue Kehl

A Lovely Homeowner

"I just closed my fifth real estate deal with Cubie Hernandez and the Mares Mortgage team, and I can confidently say I will never use anyone else!"
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Karen Pietsch

Realtor, Coldwell Banker

"Mares Mortgage is fast/efficient, has the best rates and has a safe portal for submitting documents plus tracking loan processing status."
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Janice Bies

Coolest Customer

"I called Christian on a Saturday, we were on a very short timeline.  He worked thru the weekend, by Wednesday we had approval and cleared to closed on Friday."
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Vincent Moneymaker

Small Business Owner

"We love working with Mares Mortgage they're all awesome specially Jocelyn and Brenda!
Smooth transaction! love them!!!
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Tess Still

Homebuyer and client

"Mares Mortgage is fantastic!! We had Cubie on our podcast & he was able to share a plethora of insights.  for consumers looking buying a home & looking to get a loan."
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Danielle Aglio

Realtor, Blue Island Homes, NY

"Bridget is professional and stays on top of the current rates. She answers all questions and we would not have been able to close this deal without her. She is a huge asset and an incredibly kind person."
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Katherine Brocke

Realtor, Bon Life Real Estate

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