You must own a home and be at least 18 years old to get started: Find a HELOC lender.Find the best HELOC lender by comparing interest rates, fees, customer reviews and requirements from two or more lenders. Complete an application. Look for lenders that allow you to at least start your application online. You may need to speak to a loan officer over the phone or at a local branch to complete the process. Submit documentation. To verify your personal and financial information, you'll likely submit proof of income, paperwork that confirms the outstanding balance on your mortgage and contracts that show the purchase date and price of your home. Get your appraisal and title report. Your lender will order an appraisal to learn the estimated market value of your home. The title confirms you own the property and reveals any claims against it. Close on your HELOC. You'll pay any closing costs, sign documents and decide how you to access your funds. Expect to submit a range documentation to confirm your personal and financial details: Name and address for each borrower Purchase date and price of the home Employment income Income from any other sources Estimated market value of the home Outstanding balance on the current mortgage The monthly payment on the current mortgage Requested loan amount Photo ID for all borrowers Previous address, if at current address less than two years Previous employer, if with current employer less than two years