Hard inquiry
This is when a lender requests a copy of a consumer's credit report from an agency. Hard inquiries are recorded in your credit file. Too many hard inquiries may result in a lower credit score.

Home equity
A consumer's market value for their home, minus the amount they still owe on the loan. This is a way of measuring how much of your home you actually own.

Home equity loan
When someone takes out a loan using the equity on their home as a security. Good news- The interest on this loan may be tax deductable. Bad news- If the loan can't be repaid, the home may be sold to pay the debt.