The better question than timing is purpose: what is the line actually for? A HELOC makes the most sense when you have a defined use for the money, a renovation or an investment opportunity, rather than opening one just to have access. Two things worth knowing about HELOC availability: - Lenders come and go. Banks move in and out of the HELOC market depending on conditions, so which lenders offer them, and on what terms, changes over time. - Draw periods have been shrinking. The classic HELOC gave you a long draw window (often around 10 years of borrowing and repaying like a credit card) followed by a 15-to-20-year repayment phase. Many lenders have moved toward much shorter draw periods before repayment begins, because they do not want a large committed line sitting available and unused for years. A shorter draw changes how you should plan to use and pay down the line, so read the specific terms carefully. A HELOC can absolutely make sense for the right purpose. Match the structure to your plan and confirm the current terms with the lender, since they vary. If you want to compare a HELOC against a cash-out refinance or a fixed second mortgage for your specific use, that is what we work through in a free Roadmap conversation.