Which of the following best describes a home-equity loan?

A home-equity loan is best described as a loan secured by your home. This type of loan allows homeowners to borrow against the equity they have built up in their property, which serves as collateral. Typically, lenders will assess the value of the home and the outstanding mortgage balance to determine how much equity is available for borrowing.

While some home-equity loans might come in the form of a line of credit, they are not themselves classified as such. Home-equity lines of credit (HELOCs) are distinct products that allow for withdrawal of funds up to a credit limit, whereas a home-equity loan is a lump sum disbursed to the borrower.

Additionally, a home-equity loan is specifically designed for homeowners to access their equity and is unrelated to vehicle purchases. The primary purpose is to provide funds for various financial needs, such as home improvements or consolidating debt.

Given these definitions and characteristics, focusing on the primary nature of a home-equity loan as a secured loan makes it clear that it is accurately represented by the first option.