Virginia Fargo

How One Homeowner Used His Equity to Eliminate High-Interest Business Debt (And How You Can Too)

July 28, 20254 min read

How One Homeowner Used His Equity to Eliminate High-Interest Business Debt (And How You Can Too)

If you're a homeowner and a small business owner, you already know how fast business expenses can add up—especially if you're financing equipment with high interest rates. I recently helped a local business owner who found himself in this exact situation. His dump truck, essential for his business, was draining his monthly profits due to an unforgiving loan.

Here’s how we turned it around—and how you could do the same.


The Problem: A High-Interest Dump Truck Loan Draining Profits

This client came to me with a simple but pressing problem. His dump truck was financed at a high interest rate, and the payments were crushing his cash flow. Every month, a huge chunk of his revenue was going straight to the lender, leaving him little flexibility to invest back into his business or grow his income.

He asked me point-blank:

“Virginia, can you help me get this paid off?”

Yes, I could—and I did.


The Solution: Using Home Equity + Bank Statement Loan

Because he owned a home, he had built up home equity—a powerful tool that many entrepreneurs overlook. But here’s the twist: He hadn’t been in business for very long—less than three years, to be exact.

That ruled out most traditional loan options.

So we went the alternative lending route and used a bank statement loan, which allows self-employed individuals to qualify based on their personal and business bank statements—not tax returns or W-2s.

We secured a home equity line of credit (HELOC) that allowed him to:

  • Pay off the dump truck in full

  • Eliminate the high monthly payment

  • Instantly boost his monthly cash flow

  • Gain financial breathing room to reinvest in his business


The Result: More Cash Flow, More Freedom

After the payoff, the difference was immediate. Without the heavy burden of that truck loan, he had extra cash every month—money he could now use for marketing, hiring, or saving for future growth.

It wasn’t just about eliminating debt. It was about unlocking his financial flexibility.

And that’s exactly what home equity can do when it's used strategically.


Who This Strategy Is Perfect For

You might benefit from this same approach if:

  • You're a self-employed homeowner

  • You have business equipment financed at a high interest rate

  • You’ve been turned down by traditional lenders because your business tax returns didn't support a conventional loan

  • You’re looking for creative ways to improve your cash flow

If any of those describe you, we should talk.


Why Bank Statement Loans Work for Business Owners

Traditional lenders rely heavily on W-2s, tax returns, and long credit histories. But that doesn’t reflect the reality for many entrepreneurs—especially in the early years of building a business.

Bank statement loans provide a flexible alternative by using 12–24 months of your actual cash flow to qualify you. These loans:

  • Don’t require tax returns or W-2s

  • Work even if you’ve only been in business 1–2 years

  • Let you use personal or business bank statements

  • Can help you qualify for home equity lines or even purchases

They’re a game-changer for self-employed homeowners.


Why This Matters Now

With interest rates still fluctuating and equipment costs at an all-time high, holding onto high-interest debt is one of the fastest ways to stall your business growth.

But if you’re sitting on equity and not using it—you're missing out on one of the best financial tools available to homeowners who also run businesses.


Virginia’s Expert Tip:
“Home equity isn’t just for home renovations or emergencies—it’s a strategic asset. Used the right way, it can help you eliminate business debt, free up cash flow, and grow faster.”


Ready for a Free Equity & Cash Flow Review?

If you’re a homeowner looking to create more breathing room in your monthly budget—or if you’re tired of being denied by traditional lenders—I offer a free, no-obligation analysis to help you:

  • Understand your equity position

  • Explore bank statement loan options

  • Calculate your potential monthly savings

  • Create a step-by-step strategy to eliminate high-interest debt

Let’s talk. One quick call could change your financial future.


FAQs

1. Can I qualify for a home equity loan if I just started my business?

Yes, especially if you use a bank statement loan. You can often qualify with just 12–24 months of consistent bank deposits, even if you’ve been in business for less than three years.


2. What’s the difference between a HELOC and a cash-out refinance?

A HELOC (Home Equity Line of Credit) is a revolving credit line secured by your home—like a credit card with a lower interest rate. A cash-out refinance replaces your existing mortgage with a larger one, giving you the difference in cash. Both are ways to access equity, but HELOCs offer more flexibility for business owners.


3. What if my credit isn’t perfect?

Good news—bank statement loans are more flexible than traditional loans when it comes to credit. While better credit can improve your rate, you may still qualify even with some dings on your report, especially if your business shows strong, steady deposits. However, you want at least a 620 credit score.

buyer hack 2-1 buydown rate buydown home loan affordabilityseller paid buydown
blog author image

Virginia Fargo

AZ Mortgage Broker | ASU BioChem Grad | Mom of 3 | Local Expert | Friendly, Honest Help with Home Loans, Down Payment Assistance & Affordability

Back to Blog

Work With Us

We recognize that your needs are unique, and we would love to find out

exactly how we can be of service to you.

Contact us by email or give me a call.

CALL US

Call me today with any questions you have about the process - I'm happy to help.

CONNECT WITH US

BUSINESS HOURS

  • Monday - Friday 9:00 AM to 10:00 PM PST

  • Saturday - Sunday 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM PST

EMAIL US

If email is your preferred method of contact, go ahead and email me.

  • Monday - Friday 9:00AM to 10:00PM

  • Saturday - Sunday 10:00AM to 10:00 PM


Virginia Fargo
NMLS #299320

4401 Hazel Ave, Ste 135, Fair Oaks, CA 95628

Empire Home Loans 1839243

© Copyright All Rights Reserved - Terms & Conditions | Privacy Policy

Not a commitment to lend. Equal Housing Opportunity. Additional terms and conditions apply.