A home equity line of credit (HELOC) has many benefits for you and all of your financial needs.
In this article we will cover:
- What is a HELOC
- How does a HELOC work?
What is a Home Equity Line of Credit (HELOC)?
A HELOC, is based off the value of your home and is a second mortgage that gives you access to cash to help you pay for things such as home improvement projects, unexpected expenses, or that dream vacation, just to name a few. You can draw from this line of credit and repay all or some of it monthly. It works similar to a credit card but is secured by a mortgage on your home.
Calculate your loan payment amount. (NOTE: this is only an estimate. Actual loan payment amount and rates can vary)
How does a Home Equity Line of Credit Work?
This type of loan allows you to borrow against your home’s equity, pay it back, and repeat. Most HELOCs have a variable interest rate. This means that as the baseline interest rates go up or down, the interest rate on your HELOC will go up or down. Your banker will set your starting interest rate by using an interest rate index. Then add a markup depending on your credit score and loan-to-value ratio. Generally the higher your credit score, the lower the markup. Before signing off on the HELOC, you should review all the documents and the margin with your banker to make sure you fully understand the terms.
