HighTechLending and Better Expand Access to Home Equity Loans Through EquitySelect(TM) HELOC
MWN-AI** Summary
HighTechLending, a national mortgage lender known for its innovative solutions, has partnered with Better, a leading AI-native homeownership company, to enhance access to home equity loans through its EquitySelect™ HELOC. This collaboration intends to assist homeowners who may struggle to qualify for traditional home equity loans despite having significant equity in their homes. Currently, homeowners are sitting on an estimated $35 trillion in home equity, with around 26 million individuals holding mortgages at interest rates below 4%. This situation creates a "lock-in" effect, dissuading cash-out refinances, especially for self-employed individuals or those with fluctuating incomes.
The EquitySelect™ HELOC was developed by HighTechLending as a flexible alternative for homeowners wishing to tap into their home equity without refinancing their first mortgage. This product redefines payment structures, allowing greater monthly payment flexibility while adhering to equity-based underwriting standards. David Peskin, President and CEO of HighTechLending, emphasized that the partnership with NEO Home Loans powered by Better aims to offer borrowing options that reflect changing financial realities.
Based on data from declined applications at NEO Home Loans, HighTechLending estimates that approximately 20% of these borrowers could qualify under the EquitySelect™ structure. Through this partnership, NEO Home Loans will include EquitySelect™ in their product offerings, providing borrowers with opportunities for home improvements, debt consolidation, and other financial needs.
Better, noted for its commitment to technological innovation in mortgage lending, enhances this effort through its robust digital platform, Tinman®, and AI loan agent, Betsy™, making the homeownership process more efficient. This partnership between HighTechLending and Better aims to significantly increase homeowner access to capital in an evolving financial landscape.
MWN-AI** Analysis
HighTechLending's new partnership with Better, focused on its EquitySelect™ HELOC product, is poised to reshape the landscape of home equity loans during a pivotal period in the housing market. With homeowners holding approximately $35 trillion in home equity amidst changing economic conditions, this collaboration targets a significant yet under-served demographic: those who are creditworthy yet unable to secure traditional loans due to stringent guidelines.
The importance of this initiative cannot be overstated, particularly for homeowners with low mortgage rates who are hesitant to refinance due to potential rate hikes. By allowing these homeowners to access their equity without refinancing, EquitySelect™ addresses an urgent financial need, especially as variable incomes and changing financial situations become more common.
Analysts note that the potential qualification of 20% of previously declined borrowers under this restructured HELOC framework opens new avenues for consumer lending. This suggests a substantial market opportunity, potentially capturing billions in annual loan volumes previously lost. Investors should monitor the progress of this product closely, as successful integration into NEO Home Loans' channel could expand market share and significantly drive revenue growth.
Moreover, the digital-first approach exemplified by Better’s AI technologies—like Tinman® and Betsy™—positions this collaboration at the forefront of mortgage innovation. Investors may find HighTechLending and Better a compelling opportunity, as their synergy not only improves access to financing but also enhances customer experience efficiency.
In conclusion, HighTechLending’s commitment to innovative, consumer-friendly solutions combined with Better’s advanced technology offers a promising investment landscape. As the financial realities of American homeowners continue to evolve, this partnership is well-positioned to meet emerging needs in a constrained market. Potential investors should watch for operational updates and market reception of the EquitySelect™ HELOC as indicators of sustained growth and success.
**MWN-AI Summary and Analysis is based on asking OpenAI to summarize and analyze this news release.
PR Newswire
IRVINE, Calif., March 25, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- HighTechLending, a national mortgage lender focused on innovative solutions to consumer needs, has announced a partnership with Better, the leading AI-native homeownership company, to expand access to home equity loans through HighTechLending's EquitySelect™ HELOC to their retail channel, NEO Home Loans powered by Better.
The partnership is designed to help more homeowners access the equity in their homes, particularly those who may not qualify for traditional home equity loans despite being creditworthy and holding substantial equity.
Across the country, homeowners are sitting on an estimated $35 trillion in home equity. At the same time, approximately 26 million homeowners have mortgage interest rates below 4%, creating a "lock-in" effect that discourages them from completing a cash-out refinance to hold onto their low rate. Millions more are self-employed or have variable incomes that may not meet traditional loan criteria, making it difficult to access their largest financial asset, home equity. For homeowners aged 40 and over, annual estimated loan volumes lost exceed $240 billion.
HighTechLending created the EquitySelect™ HELOC, or home equity line of credit, to provide a more flexible way for equity-rich homeowners to tap their home equity without refinancing their first mortgage. The product reengineers how required payments are structured, giving borrowers more flexibility over their monthly obligations while remaining grounded in disciplined, equity-based underwriting.
"Life changes, incomes fluctuate, and financial needs evolve," said David Peskin, President and CEO of HighTechLending. "Homeowners deserve options that reflect those realities. Through our partnership with NEO Home Loans powered by Better, we are expanding access to responsible home equity solutions for borrowers who have been declined under traditional guidelines but are otherwise strong, creditworthy homeowners."
- Based on a review of sample data from NEO Home Loans powered by Better's declined home equity applications, HighTechLending estimates that as many as 20% of those borrowers could qualify under the EquitySelect™ HELOC structure.
- By incorporating EquitySelect™ into its broader product offering, NEO Home Loans powered by Better will be able to provide an additional path forward for homeowners seeking capital for home improvements, debt consolidation, and other financial goals.
"Better is a recognized leader in digital mortgage and home equity lending. Their commitment to innovation and borrower access aligns closely with our mission," Peskin added. "Through their retail channel NEO Home Loans powered by Better, we are working to fill a meaningful gap in the market and unlock home equity for more homeowners."
Under the partnership, NEO Home Loans powered by Better will offer EquitySelect™ as part of its product suite and will work closely with HighTechLending to train its teams and integrate the product into its workflow. HighTechLending will purchase the loans originated through the program.
About HighTechLending
HighTechLending is a national mortgage lender focused on innovative, consumer-centric lending solutions. By combining forward-thinking product design with disciplined underwriting, HighTechLending aims to responsibly expand access to capital while promoting long-term financial stability for homeowners.
About Better Home & Finance Holding Company
Better Home & Finance Holding Company (NASDAQ: BETR) is the first AI-native mortgage and home equity finance platform, and the first fintech to fund more than $110 billion in loan volume. Better has leveraged its industry-leading AI platform, Tinman®, to achieve its singular mission of making homeownership cheaper, faster, and easier for all Americans. Tinman® allows customers to see their rate options in seconds, get pre-approved in minutes, lock in rates, and close their loan in as little as three weeks. In addition, Betsy™, the first AI loan agent built exclusively for the mortgage industry, revolutionizes the homebuying journey by answering questions, delivering approvals, comparing products, processing rate locks, and moving their loan application along to closing 24/7/365. Better's mortgage offerings include GSE-conforming mortgage loans, FHA and VA loans, and jumbo mortgage and home equity loans. Better serves customers in all 50 US states and the United Kingdom.
Media Contact
Brunswick Group
HTLending@Brunswickgroup.com
SOURCE HighTechLending, Inc.
FAQ**
How does the partnership between HighTechLending and Better leverage the capabilities of Amplify Snack Brands Inc. BETR to enhance access to the EquitySelect™ HELOC for creditworthy homeowners who might be declined through traditional lending?
In what ways might HighTechLending's innovative approach to EquitySelect™ HELOC affect market dynamics for competitors like Amplify Snack Brands Inc. BETR, particularly in tapping into the $35 trillion home equity market?
Can you detail how the integration of Better's AI technology with HighTechLending's EquitySelect™ HELOC could serve as a game-changer for those homeowners declined elsewhere, including insights related to Amplify Snack Brands Inc. BETR’s market positioning?
What specific training and workflow integration strategies are being employed to align NEO Home Loans powered by Better with HighTechLending, and how might these initiatives impact the overall lending landscape, including rivals like Amplify Snack Brands Inc. BETR?
**MWN-AI FAQ is based on asking OpenAI questions about Amplify Snack Brands Inc. (NASDAQ: BETR).
NASDAQ: BETR
BETR Trading
6.89% G/L:
$36 Last:
148,877 Volume:
$34 Open:
