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HOME EQUITY LINE OF CREDIT

Use your home to get better rates

Get the money you need by tapping into your home’s equity, without changing your current mortgage rate

WHAT IS A HELOC

Cash in on your home equity

A home equity line of credit (HELOC) provides you with a line of credit that you can draw from as needed — similar to a credit card. You borrow against the equity in your home, and your home serves as collateral for the loan.

Consolidate high-interest debt
Use the cash to pay off student loans, credit cards, or other high interest debt.
Fund home improvements
Pay for a remodel, make important home upgrades, and much more.
Make a big purchase
Cover unexpected bills, a new home, or other expenses.

BENEFITS OF HELOC

Spend what you need, pay as you go

Flexibility
Borrow only what you need, as you need it, and make payments only on the amount you withdraw
Lower interest rates
With HELOCs you can get lower rates compared to some other options
Fast funding
Getting a HELOC is a quick and simple process - plus its all online, so you can get money faster

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FAQ

Frequently asked questions

How does a HELOC work?
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Unlike other home loans, a HELOC doesn’t give you a lump sum upfront. Instead, you’ll receive a line of credit that you can use for things like home renovation projects, debt consolidation, or any other major expenses.

You can borrow as many times as you want, up to your credit limit, during the loan’s draw period. Once the draw period ends, you’ll enter the repayment period to pay off your balance. HELOCs can have draw periods of up to 10 years and repayment periods of up to 20 years.

The amount you can borrow on a HELOC varies based on how much equity you have in your home and other factors. Generally, most lenders offer credit lines around 75% to 85% of your home’s appraised value, minus any outstanding loan balance you have on your first or second mortgage.

What is the difference between HELOC and home equity loan?
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HELOCs and home equity loans both let you borrow cash against your equity, and they both use your home to secure the loan. In addition, both are examples of second mortgages.

The primary difference between a HELOC and a home equity loan is the way you receive the cash and repay the loan.

As mentioned earlier, HELOCs give you a line of credit you can draw from as needed throughout the draw period. Depending on the loan, you might be able to make interest-only payments during the draw period.

A home equity loan gives you an upfront lump sum. You make payments on the entire amount beginning the month after you take out the loan. Unlike HELOCs, which typically have variable interest rates, home equity loans come with fixed interest rates, so your payment will stay the same for the life of the loan.

Learn More: Fixed-Rate HELOCs - A Cross Between HELOCs and Home Equity Loans

What are the requirements for a HELOC?
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Even though you’re borrowing against your equity, you’ll still have to qualify for the loan. Here are some common HELOC requirements:

  • Sufficient equity for the amount you want to borrow
  • A debt-to-income ratio within the lender’s limits, usually 43% or less, although some lenders allow as high as 50%
  • A credit score of 640 or higher, depending on the lender, and a positive credit history
What are the pros and cons of a HELOC?
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Understanding the pros and cons of HELOCs will help you make an informed decision.

Pros

  • Borrow only what you need when you need it
  • Only make payments only on the amount you withdraw
  • Typically higher credit limits and lower interest rates than credit cards
  • Interest might be tax-deductible3

Cons

  • Closing costs are similar to those of a first mortgage
  • Transaction and membership fees, in some cases
  • Generally have variable rates, which means payments can increase
  • Defaulting on the loan may result in foreclosure

We arrange but do not make loans. All loans are subject to underwriting and approval. Registered Mortgage Broker - NYS Department of Financial Services. Advertised rates are subject to change and may not be available at closing, unless locked with a lender.

Lenders will conduct a hard credit pull when you submit your application. Hard credit pulls will have an impact on your credit score. Lowest rate advertised is not available for all loan sizes, types, or purposes, and assumes a very well qualified borrower with an excellent credit profile.

Lenders are sorted to display the minimum loan amount offered first.

1 Subject to underwriting and credit approval.

3 Interest on the portion of the credit extension that is greater than the fair market value of your home is not tax deductible for Federal tax purposes; and consult a tax adviser for further information regarding the deductibility of interest and charges.

4 Excluding TX.