A Home Equity Line of Credit (HELOC) is a popular and versatile financing option that allows homeowners to access the equity in their homes as collateral to obtain a line of credit. This credit line can be used for a variety of purposes, including home improvement projects, debt consolidation, and unexpected expenses. In this article, we will explore the basics of HELOCs, how they work, and the benefits of using this type of financing.
What is a Home Equity Line of Credit?
A HELOC is a loan product that allows homeowners to borrow against the equity in their homes. The equity in your home is the difference between the current market value of your home and the outstanding balance on your mortgage. The amount you can borrow with a HELOC is determined by the value of your home and your income.
Once you have been approved for a HELOC, you can access the credit line as needed and make payments on the amount you have borrowed. One of the benefits of a HELOC is that during the draw period you will only be charged interest on the amount you have actually borrowed, rather than the full credit limit.
How does a Home Equity Line of Credit work?
Whether you are putting in a new pool, adding an extra room, or repairing damages following a storm, a lender from our team can walk you through the application process. As your hometown bank, we pride ourselves in quick, local decisions. A lender will evaluate your financial situation and determine the maximum amount you can borrow based on the value of your home and your creditworthiness.
Once you have been approved and your loan has been originated, you will have access to the credit line and can use it as needed. Most HELOCs have a draw period, which is the time period during which you can access the credit line. A typical draw period may be 10 years, after which the loan will convert to a repayment period.
During the repayment period, you will need to repay the outstanding balance on your HELOC, along with any interest that has accumulated. Repayment terms may vary.
What are the benefits of a Home Equity Line of Credit?
There are several benefits to using a HELOC, including:
Flexibility: A HELOC allows you to access credit as needed, which can be especially useful for homeowners who are not sure how much financing they will need for a project. You only pay interest on the amount you have actually borrowed.
Lower Interest Rates: The interest rates on HELOCs are typically lower than other forms of credit, such as credit cards and personal loans. This is because the loan is secured by the equity in your home, which makes it a lower risk for the lender.
Easy Access to Funds: A HELOC allows you to access funds quickly and easily. Once you have been approved and your loan has been originated, you can access the credit line as needed, which makes it a convenient option for homeowners who need to pay for unexpected expenses or make home improvements.
Tax Deductible: Interest paid on a HELOC may be tax deductible, which can help you save money on your taxes. However, you should consult a tax advisor regarding the deductibility of interest and charges for the line.
Think a HELOC is the right choice for you? Apply online today with no-cost closing. Home Equity Lines of Credit | Crews Bank & Trust
As Crews Bank & Trust's Residential Lending Director, Jamey Dodson supervises residential lending operations at all locations. He has been in banking more than 30 years and has held positions at community and regional banks in business and mortgage lending, loan operations, and sales. A lifelong resident of Manatee County, Jamey joined Crews Bank & Trust as a vice president and lending officer in 2018. He graduated from Manatee Community College and earned a bachelor’s degree in finance at the University of South Florida. He actively serves the community and holds board positions for several nonprofit organizations.
