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Home Equity Loans: Your Quick Guide to Unlocking Your Home’s Value

A quick overview of home equity loans and HELOCs—how they work, common uses, basic eligibility, and key benefits. Includes steps to apply and tips for choosing the right option. Encourages consulting SCCU loan specialists for guidance. 

🏡 What Is a Home Equity Loan?

Your home isn’t just where you live—it’s one of your most valuable financial assets. If you’ve built up equity over time, you may be able to tap into it to fund major goals like renovations, education, or debt consolidation.

When we talk about “home equity loans,” we’re referring to two main types of financing:

🧭 Two Ways to Borrow Against Your Home’s Equity

·         Fixed-Rate Home Equity Loan: Receive a lump sum with a fixed interest rate and predictable monthly payments.

·         Home Equity Line of Credit (HELOC): Access a revolving line of credit with flexible withdrawals and variable interest rates.

Both options allow you to leverage your home’s value—but they serve different needs. Let’s explore how they work and how to choose the right one for you.

💡 Understanding Home Equity

Home Equity = Your Home’s Market Value – Mortgage Balance

Example: If your home is worth $400,000 and you owe $200,000, you have $200,000 in equity.

Most lenders allow you to borrow up to 80% of your home’s value, minus your mortgage balance.

🧩 Key Features of Home Equity Loans

Fixed-Rate Home Equity Loan

·         Fixed Interest Rate: Predictable monthly payments

·         Lump Sum Disbursement: Ideal for one-time expenses

·         Repayment Terms: Typically 5–20 years

·         Loan Amounts: Often start at $5,000

HELOC (Home Equity Line of Credit)

·         Revolving Credit Line: Draw funds as needed

·         Variable Interest Rate: Will fluctuate over time

·         Draw & Repayment Periods: Usually 7–10 years draw, followed by repayment

·         Flexible Use: Great for ongoing or unpredictable expenses

🔍 Which Option Is Right for You?

·         One-time large expense (e.g., renovation): Fixed-Rate Home Equity Loan

·         Ongoing or flexible spending: HELOC

·         Prefer predictable payments: Fixed-Rate Loan

·         Comfortable with rate changes: HELOC

💬 Common Uses for Home Equity Loans

·         Home Improvements: Kitchen remodels, roof replacements, landscaping

·         Debt Consolidation: Replace high-interest debt with a single, lower-rate monthly payment

·         Education Costs: Fund tuition or other educational expenses

·         Emergency Expenses: Cover unexpected costs like medical bills or car repairs

✅ Do You Qualify?

·         Credit Score: 620+ preferred

·         Debt-to-Income Ratio: Should be under 45%

·         Income & Employment: Stable history and ability to repay

📋 Application Process: Step-by-Step

·         Assess Your Equity: Use online calculators or speak with a loan specialist.

·         Gather Documentation: Pay stubs, tax returns, mortgage statements, insurance info.

·         Shop Around: Compare rates, terms, and fees.

·         Apply: Online or by phone—be ready to share financial details.

·         Home Valuation: Determines your home’s current market value.

·         Review & Close: Finalize terms and sign documents.

🎯 Benefits & Considerations

Advantages

·         Lower interest rates than unsecured loans

·         Potential tax deductions (consult a tax advisor)

·         Predictable payments (for fixed-rate loans)

·         Access to large loan amounts

Considerations

·         Your home is collateral

·         Closing costs may apply

·         Market fluctuations can affect equity

🏦 Choosing the Right Lender

·         Competitive interest rates

·         Transparent fees

·         Flexible terms

·         Strong customer service

·         Credit union member benefits

🚀 Make Home Equity Work for You

A home equity loan or HELOC can be a smart way to fund your goals—if used wisely. Make sure the loan aligns with your long-term financial plans and that you’re comfortable with the repayment terms.

Next Step: Speak with an SCCU loan specialist to explore your options and get personalized guidance.


Adjustable Rate Home Equity Line of Credit (HELOC) Interest Rates

Effective Date: October 01, 2025
Apply Now
Term 12 Month Intro Rate APR* "As Low As" Thereafter APR* "As Low As"
Principal-and-Interest Option
7/7
4.24% 6.75%
Interest-Only Option
10/10
6.75% 6.75%

Special Introductory Rate valid on Principal-and-Interest HELOC for 12 months. Thereafter, the HELOC will have a Variable Rate feature as described below. Introductory rate not available on Interest-Only HELOC.

Your actual interest rate will be based on the available equity in your home, the amount of your loan, your credit history, and product chosen. Other programs, rates, and terms may be available. Approval is subject to our usual credit criteria. Proof of homeowner’s insurance sufficient to cover all outstanding mortgages, including your SCCU equity loan, and any other obligations secured by the home and property, is required. Certain restrictions may apply.

No Closing Costs (Home Equity Loans): SCCU will waive typical third-party fees associated with closing a Home Equity loan, such as appraisal, photo inspection, recording, state tax stamps, title exam, and title insurance. Must be primary residence. Available on loans up to $250,000. For Fixed-Rate Home Equity Loans (2nd Mortgages) in the first lien position, valued at $50,000 or more, waived costs do not include prepaid escrow amounts. Additional fees may apply for loans over $100K, and/or for special Deed preparation requirements.

You must already be a member of the credit union, or establish membership, which requires a one-time $5 deposit to open and maintain a regular savings account. Offers and rates subject to change at any time.

Current Prime Rate
 
Principal-and-Interest HELOC
As low as Prime minus 0.50% w/floor (minimum rate) and ceiling (maximum rate) of 18.00%
Term: 14 years, the first 7 years you may draw against/utilize the credit line similar to that of a credit card and are required to make a monthly payments equal to 1.5% of your outstanding balance, with a $100 minimum. During these first 7 years, like a credit card, as you pay your outstanding balance your available credit will be replenished and may be drawn against/utilized again. Your available credit equals maximum credit line minus total outstanding balance. During the final 7 years you may no longer draw against/utilize the credit line. Whatever balance remains at the end of the first 7 years must be paid in monthly installments. Required monthly payment equals 1.5% of the prior month's balance, with a $100 minimum payment. There is a possibility of a balloon payment at the end of the repayment period. Once the monthly minimum payment due is satisfied, you may choose to make additional payments toward the principal. The interest rate is still variable, thus monthly payments will vary depending on the current interest rates. However, as an option you may refinance to renew your credit line or convert to a fixed home equity loan.
 
Interest-Only HELOC
As low as Prime plus 0.25% w/floor (minimum rate) and ceiling (maximum rate) of 18.00%
Term: 20 years, first 10 years you may draw against/utilize the credit line similar to that of a credit card and are required to make minimum monthly payments equal to accrued monthly interest determined by the current interest rate and your outstanding balance. During these first 10 years, if you choose to pay more than your interest-only payment, thus lowering your outstanding balance like a credit card, your available credit will be replenished and may be drawn against/utilized again. Your available credit equals maximum credit line minus total outstanding balance. During the final 10 years you may no longer draw against/utilize the credit line. Whatever balance remains at the end of the first 10 years must be paid in monthly installments. Each monthly payment includes principal and interest, and equals 1.5% of the prior month's balance, with a $100 minimum payment. There is a possibility of a balloon payment at the end of the repayment period. Once the monthly minimum payment due is satisfied, you may choose to make additional payments toward the principal. The interest rate is still variable, thus monthly payments will vary depending on the current interest rates. However, as an option you may refinance your credit line or convert to a fixed home equity loan.

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