Truss Equity Select: HELOC PROGRAMS FOR SENIORS

JULY 2026 UPDATE

What Is a HELOC? Flexible Home Equity Options for Self-Employed Borrowers, Investors, and Retirees

Written and reviewed by Jeff Miller, Broker & CEO of Truss Financial Group, 25+ Years in Mortgage, NMLS #1276077.

A home equity line of credit, or HELOC, is a revolving credit line secured by the equity in your property. You can draw funds as needed up to your approved limit, repay the balance, and potentially borrow again during the draw period. Unlike a cash-out refinance, a HELOC generally allows you to preserve your existing first mortgage rather than replacing it.

Who may qualify through Truss Financial Group? TFG specializes in home equity options for borrowers whose income or property profile may not fit conventional bank guidelines. Depending on the program, self-employed borrowers may qualify using 12–24 months of personal or business bank statements instead of tax returns. Options may also be available for primary residences, second homes, and investment properties, with qualifying credit scores starting as low as 640 on select programs.

Need a streamlined HELOC? Eligible borrowers and properties may qualify for a digital valuation instead of a traditional interior appraisal. Certain digital HELOC applications can receive a decision within minutes and fund in as little as five business days, although appraisal requirements, documentation, title conditions, underwriting, and applicable waiting periods can extend the timeline.

Are you a real estate investor or homeowner aged 62 or older? Investors may be able to qualify using rental income, property cash flow, assets, or alternative documentation. Eligible homeowners aged 62 and older can also compare TFG’s Equity Select program, which is structured without required monthly mortgage payments, with conventional HELOC and reverse-mortgage alternatives.

As of July 15, 2026, the national average HELOC rate was 7.43%, according to Bankrate’s survey of major home-equity lenders. This is a national benchmark, not an advertised TFG rate, and the rate and terms available to an individual borrower depend on credit, equity, property type, documentation, loan amount, and program availability.

Our latest home-equity lending activity:

In June 2026, Truss Financial Group closed 179 HELOCs representing $36 million in total loan volume, with an average borrower FICO score of 726. Approximately 87% of these HELOCs were secured by primary residences, while 12% were secured by investment properties. Loans were funded across 24 states, reflecting demand from both homeowners and real estate investors seeking flexible access to their property equity.

JULY 2026 UPDATE

What Is a HELOC? Flexible Home Equity Options for Self-Employed Borrowers, Investors, and Retirees

Written and reviewed by Jeff Miller, Broker & CEO of Truss Financial Group, 25+ Years in Mortgage, NMLS #1276077.

Our latest home-equity lending activity:

With Truss Equity Select, you can:

Access up to $500,000 in home equity without selling your property.
Choose low, capped monthly payments for up to 40 years.
Enjoy non-recourse protection; you’ll never owe more than your home’s value.
Skip the hassle: no appraisal and no tax returns required for qualified borrowers.
Use it your way: pay off debt, fund home improvements, or supplement retirement income.

Why Homeowners 55+ Choose Truss Equity Select?

For many homeowners 55 and older, traditional loans can feel rigid, high income verification, short terms and unpredictable payments.

Truss Equity Select changes that.

It’s built around your lifestyle, your equity and your long-term financial security.

Here’s what makes it different:

Access your home equity, while keeping full ownership and control: Borrow against the equity you’ve built without selling your home or refinancing your first mortgage.

Minimum payments as low as 1% of your loan balance: Pay only what’s needed to maintain flexibility and cash flow, ideal for retirement income planning.

Capped payments for up to 40 years, no surprises: Your monthly payment can never exceed a fixed limit, giving you predictable long-term stability even if rates rise.

Non-recourse protection, you’ll never owe more than your home’s value: Built-in safeguards protect your family and estate from owing beyond what your home is worth.

No appraisal, no tax returns, and no income stress tests for qualified borrowers: Skip the paperwork. Truss Equity Select uses modern verification methods to simplify approval.

How Truss Equity Select Works?

Truss Equity Select makes it simple for homeowners 55+ to unlock home equity safely, without selling their home or taking on unmanageable payments.

Whether you prefer a guided conversation with a loan officer or a quick digital application, the process stays clear, secure and tailored to your needs.

Here’s how the process works from start to finish:

Step 1: Start Your Application

You can begin online or by speaking directly with a Truss loan officer. We’ll review your property details, answer your questions, and walk you through the home equity line of credit (HELOC) options available. No appraisal, no tax returns, and no income stress tests for qualified borrowers.

Step 2: Verify Eligibility

Both homeowners must be age 55 or older, and the property must be your primary residence with sufficient home equity. Once verified, we’ll confirm your estimated line amount and payment options.

Step 3: Choose Your Payment Plan

Select from flexible payment structures, including minimum payments as low as 1% of your balance and long-term capped payments for up to 40 years. You can also pay extra anytime, penalty-free.

Step 4: Access Your Line of Credit

After approval and closing, your Truss Equity Select HELOC becomes active. Withdraw funds as needed: for home upgrades, debt payoff, or monthly cash flow, while interest applies only to what you use.

Step 5: Enjoy Full Ownership and Protection

You remain the homeowner. With non-recourse protection, neither you nor your heirs will ever owe more than the home’s value, even if the market shifts. It’s borrowing with clarity, control, and long-term peace of mind.

Truss Financial Group:
Proudly recognized as the Best in No-Doc and Senior HELOC Lending

Truss Financial Group is proudly recognized as one of America’s top lenders for No-Doc HELOCs and innovative home-equity solutions, helping homeowners and retirees unlock their property’s value without traditional income documentation. We offer a wide range of home loans for the self-employed borrowers, including Stated Income loans (also called non-Qualified loans). We offer Bank Statement loans, Asset Depletion loans and more. And if you’re trying to finance a rental property, we offer DSCR loans based on Debt Service Coverage Ratio, and even “No-Ratio” loans. And now, with Truss Equity Select: our exclusive HELOC for seniors 55+, you can access your home equity safely, with capped payments and full ownership control.

Truss Equity Select vs. Reverse Mortgage vs. Traditional HELOC

Choosing how to access your home’s equity is a major financial decision, and the best option depends on how much control, flexibility, and payment stability you want. Truss Equity Select blends the advantages of a HELOC and a reverse mortgage: flexible access to funds, capped payments, and full ownership retention, without selling your home or taking on unpredictable debt.

Feature	Truss Equity Select 55+	Reverse Mortgage (HECM)	Traditional HELOC
Minimum Payments	As low as 1% annually of balance	No required monthly payments	Interest-only during draw period (5–10 years)
Term	Up to 40 years with capped payments	No fixed term; due when borrower leaves home or passes away	Typically 15–30 years total (draw + repayment)
Ownership	You retain full ownership; first-lien HELOC	You retain title, but loan repaid from home sale after passing	You retain ownership; lender holds lien
Payment Flexibility	Flexible draw and repayment; optional extra payments	Receive funds as lump sum, line, or monthly disbursements	Revolving credit line; reuse funds as repaid
Income / Documentation	Streamlined qualification, no appraisal, no tax returns for most borrowers	Requires HUD counseling and higher upfront fees	Full income, credit, and appraisal verification
Non-Recourse Protection	Yes, never owe more than your home’s value	Yes, FHA-insured	No, borrower liable for full balance
Best For	Homeowners 55+ seeking liquidity, predictability, and long-term control	Seniors 62+ needing income without monthly payments	Borrowers with high income and strong credit seeking flexibility
Loan Type	Proprietary home equity line of credit (HELOC)	FHA-insured reverse mortgage	Bank or credit-union HELOC

Eligibility Criteria for Truss Equity Select

Qualifying for Truss Equity Select is simpler than most traditional lending programs. It is designed for older homeowners who’ve built significant home equity and want flexible access to it, without complex paperwork or high income requirements.

Basic Requirements:

Age: 55 or older (both borrowers must meet this requirement if joint)
Property Type: Must be your primary residence (single-family home, townhouse, or eligible condo)
Home Equity: At least 40% ownership equity preferred (maximum loan-to-value ratio around 60%)
Credit Score: 650+ recommended for best rates and approval
Documentation: Streamlined, no appraisal, no tax returns, and minimal income verification for most borrowers
Loan Position: First-lien HELOC; existing mortgage may be paid off at closing if applicable

Is a HELOC a good idea for seniors?

Yes, if you want access to home equity without selling your home or taking on high monthly payments. Truss Equity Select offers flexible payment options, non-recourse protection, and full ownership control.

Why do both borrowers need to be 55+?

This ensures both homeowners receive the same protections under the Truss Equity Select program.

Can you get a HELOC while on Social Security income?

Yes, social Security income can count toward qualification. Truss specializes in retirement-based lending with flexible underwriting.

What’s the maximum amount I can borrow under HELOC for seniors program?

Borrowers may qualify for up to $500,000, depending on equity, credit and property value.

What’s the monthly payment on a $50,000 home equity line of credit?

With Truss Equity Select, you won’t have to make a payment, the payment is added to the loan principal. However, if you wish to make a payment and NOT defer any interest, then the payment would be roughly $395.

How do I qualify for a HELOC loan?

To qualify for a HELOC loan, lenders look at your credit report, income documentation (or eligibility for a no doc HELOC), your property condition report, and your ability to repay. Self-employed borrowers may qualify through alternative verification. Strong credit profiles may also receive a lower fixed margin over the prime rate published in the Wall Street Journal.

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Built by entrepreneurs for entrepreneurs™

Jeff Miller and Jason Nichols created Truss Financial Group to help clients avoid the disappointments they themselves had experienced as self-employed real estate investors. After the financial crisis of 2008, and in the wake of greater government regulation of traditional banks, Jeff and Jason got tired of applying for mainstream mortgages, getting denied, and resorting to hard money loans at high rates.

They solved their own problem by bringing together a group of non-traditional banks and financial funds specifically to support the self-employed and real estate investors. Now with decades of experience and an expert mortgage lending team, you won’t find advisors with a greater ability to help you qualify for the loan you need at the lowest possible rate.

See what our clients say about us

We are humbled by the kind words of our clients. And we are happy that we were the ones to help turn their mortgage goals into reality.

HELOC closed in under 15 days

Marshall was kind, patient, polite and professional with me. We got a HELOC loan and in less than 15 days they were able to do the closing! It was a great experience!

Marislea R.

Best loan officer in 37 years of real estate

Marshall was absolutely THE BEST mortgage loan officer I've ever dealt with and I have been a Real Estate Broker for 37 years! He is knowledgeable, professional, and prompt in communication.

Shelia S.

HELOC approved when others said no

All the other lenders turned me down but Caesar was able to get me the HELOC I needed and saved me. It was fast and is already finished.

Ronny T.

Informative HELOC process

I worked with Reza & Delania & they were very informative regarding my HELOC and the process was easy!

Daniel R.

Smooth HELOC and first rental purchase

Delania quickly got us done on our HELOC and has been instrumental in helping us purchase our first rental property. We will continue to work with her and the team at Truss.

Justin S.

Easy HELOC for self-employed

Chris was a great help and the whole experience was super easy. I needed this type of HELOC as I am self employed.

Scott D.

Solution when no one else would help

Marshall and Betty worked incredibly hard on our 2nd mortgage. NO OTHER company would help us the way they did. They found a solution that made sense and held our hand throughout the process.

Liz W.

So fast and efficient

So fast and efficient. I had. HELOC in place in less than a week.

Lisa Laskowitz

Delania Got Us Our Loan

Delania was able to provide the amount of money we required in a reasonable amount of time with reasonable broker fees and interest rate. Also, they were able to handle my lien and I obtained the funds with perfect timing for my purposes

Beverley H

Truss Financial cares about their customers

Truss Financial made the whole process very smooth and made me feel like a valued customer. I highly recommend them for a HELOC loan.

Carole Northrop

This process was made easy, thank you !

This process was made easy, with prompt answers to my questions and concerns. Your team exceeds expectations...I will make sure to use you for future mortgage or line of credit. What seemed impossible you made possible!

Luz S

Possibly the best mortgage related…

Possibly the best mortgage related experience in my life. Fast, courteous people to work with, thank you Ryan and the gang! I would highly recommend Truss to anyone looking to refinance, purchase or create a HELOC!

Keith Brooks

Wasn't thrilled with some of the items…

Wasn't thrilled with some of the items missed along the way (appraisal/addendums) by Champion, but from Truss perspective, everything was great. Cesar was great to work with and will be working with him and Truss in the future!

BC/LH

The persistence

The persistence, Betty and Jeff were very informative, this refinance was something new and also something I wasn't prepared to do. My bank called one day and said " you have a balloon payment due and we'll give you a 3 month extension. That's it. I'm appreciative of the time they took to guide me through the process.

Brandon Christopher

HELOC for Older Adults. No appraisal needed!