In homeownership, what does 'equity' refer to?

Equity in the context of homeownership refers to the difference between the market value of a home and the outstanding mortgage balance. This concept is crucial for homeowners because equity represents the portion of the home that they actually own free and clear of any liens or loans. When property values increase or when homeowners pay down their mortgages, their equity grows.

For example, if a home is worth $300,000 and the remaining mortgage balance is $200,000, the homeowner has $100,000 in equity. This equity can be realized by selling the home, refinancing, or borrowing against it. It serves as a valuable financial asset, reflecting both the investment made in the property and the appreciation in value that can occur over time.

The other options refer to different aspects of homeownership that do not capture the essence of equity. The amount invested in maintenance relates to costs of upkeep, while mortgage interest accrued pertains to borrowing costs. The value of the home after depreciation focuses on valuation rather than ownership stake and doesn’t address the concept of equity in a meaningful way.