Here's a number that stopped me when I first saw it: American homeowners now hold $34 trillion in combined home equity nationally, according to Harvard's latest housing report, up 88% since 2019, with the average homeowner holding around $295,000. California homeowners, especially those who've owned coastal or metro properties for 20-plus years, are sitting on figures that make that national average look modest.
Equity isn't just a number on paper, and selling isn't the only way to use it
A lot of California homeowners assume the only way to access that value is to sell, which means triggering capital gains and losing a Prop 13 tax basis that can never be recovered. That's not the only option. A Longbridge Platinum line of credit, sized for homes up to $4 million, lets you access substantial liquidity without selling, without a mandatory monthly payment, and without disturbing your tax basis.
For owners who refinanced into a low rate in 2020 or 2021, a HomeSafe Second accesses equity while leaving that mortgage untouched.
Licensed in California: A reverse mortgage is a loan that must be repaid. You keep ownership of your home and remain responsible for property taxes, insurance, and maintenance. David Rider, California license #CA-DOC200787 (DFPI) ยท NMLS #200787.
