Last updated: July 2025
Fertility treatments and adoption processes can bring both joy and significant out-of-pocket expenses, and finding the right funding strategy is crucial to avoid dipping into life savings.
A Home Equity Line of Credit (HELOC) offers a flexible way to tap into your home’s equity for IVF cycles, surrogacy fees, agency and legal costs, or adoption expenses, often at lower rates than credit cards or personal loans.
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Tap into your home’s potential in minutes. Start our streamlined digital application to discover if a HELOC is right for you.
What does IVF or adoption really cost?
Starting a family through IVF or adoption is a deeply personal journey, but it’s also one of the most expensive.
IVF treatments can cost anywhere from $15,000 to $30,000 per cycle, and some couples require multiple cycles to conceive. Add medications, travel, and genetic testing, and total costs can exceed $50,000.
Adoption isn’t necessarily cheaper. Domestic adoption typically ranges from $20,000 to $45,000, while international adoption can cost upwards of $50,000 to $70,000, depending on the country and the specific legal process.
Even foster care adoptions, which tend to be lower-cost, often come with additional fees such as legal services, counseling, or travel expenses.
In short, building a family this way requires careful financial planning. That’s where home equity can come in.
Start an application with HomeEQ. In a few minutes, you can learn what sort of adoption or IVF financing might be available to you.
How can home equity help cover family-building expenses?
If you own a home and have been making payments for a few years, chances are you’ve built up equity.
This equity can be tapped through a Home Equity Line of Credit (HELOC), which allows you to borrow against the value of your home.
A HELOC is a flexible form of credit. Unlike lump-sum loans, you draw funds only when needed, which can be particularly useful for IVF or adoption, where expenses may come in waves.
With HomeEQ’s digital application process, qualified homeowners can get approved in minutes and access funds in days, with no need for branch visits or long underwriting timelines.
In many cases, interest rates for HELOCs are significantly lower than credit cards or personal loans, making them an attractive alternative for covering family-related costs.
What is a Home Equity Line of Credit?
What’s the difference between using a HELOC and other financing options?
Here’s how a HELOC stacks up against common financing alternatives:
| Financing Option | Pros | Cons |
| HELOC | Low rates, flexible access, reusable | Tied to home equity, variable interest |
| Personal Loan | Fixed payments, no collateral needed | Higher interest, less flexibility |
| Credit Cards | Easy to use, rewards points | High interest rates, possible credit damage |
| Fertility Loans | Tailored terms for IVF | Often high fees and limited availability |
| Adoption Grants | No repayment needed | Competitive, limited funding |
A HELOC often provides the best balance of speed, flexibility, and affordability, especially when secured through a self-service platform like HomeEQ.
Is using home equity for IVF or adoption a smart financial move?
It can be, but only with the right plan in place.
Tapping home equity makes sense if:
- You have sufficient equity (typically 15% to 20% or more).
- Your credit score qualifies you for a competitive interest rate.
- You have the income stability to repay borrowed funds.
A HELOC offers a way to invest in your family without draining retirement accounts or taking on high-interest debt. That said, it’s still a loan secured by your home. Responsible borrowing and a clear repayment strategy are essential.
Illustrative scenario: Julia and Mark, both in their mid-30s, had been trying to conceive for years. IVF seemed like the best option, but their savings were tied up in their home. They used a HELOC through HomeEQ to fund two rounds of treatment. Thanks to a draw-as-you-need model and competitive rates, they avoided credit card debt and welcomed their daughter a year later.
Use the HomeEQ HELOC Loan Calculator.
How do you qualify for a HELOC with HomeEQ?
HomeEQ offers a digital-first approach, making the HELOC process faster and easier than traditional lenders.
To qualify, borrowers typically need:
- A minimum credit score of 640 (higher for better rates)
- At least 15% equity in their home
- Verifiable income and employment
- A primary residence in an eligible state
The HomeEQ platform uses a soft credit pull during prequalification, so checking your rate won’t impact your score.
If approved, you could receive a decision in under 10 minutes and access funds within 5–7 days.
What are the steps to get started?
- Check your estimated rate: Visit the HomeEQ site and complete a short form
- Submit your application: Provide property, income, and identification details
- Upload documents digitally: No printing, mailing, or in-person steps
- Receive your approval: Most qualified applicants get a decision within minutes
- Access funds: Use your HELOC for IVF payments, adoption fees, or related costs as needed
This fully online application process aligns with HomeEQ’s mission to offer straightforward, no-hassle lending that helps homeowners finance major life moments.
How to Apply for a HELOC Online with HomeEQ.
Common questions about using home equity for family planning
Will using a HELOC impact my ability to qualify for a mortgage later?
Possibly. Lenders look at your total debt obligations. A HELOC increases your monthly debt load, which could reduce borrowing power temporarily.
Can I use a HELOC for expenses outside IVF or adoption?
Yes. Once approved, you can use the funds for any personal expenses, including travel, home improvement, or emergency costs.
Is a HELOC better than cashing out investments?
Often. Selling stocks or retirement funds can trigger taxes or penalties. A HELOC allows you to preserve long-term assets while covering current needs.
Do I need to use the entire HELOC at once?
No. You can draw only what you need, when you need it, which helps manage interest costs.
What if my IVF or adoption plans change after I open the HELOC?
No problem. You don’t have to use the funds if your plans shift. It’s simply a tool to have ready when needed.
Turn to HomeEQ for adoption or IVF financing options
Tapping into your home equity could be the key to making your family-building dreams a reality, without taking on high-interest debt or exhausting savings.
Explore your options and see how HomeEQ makes it easy to move forward, on your terms. Check your HELOC rate in minutes.
