With a Home Equity Line of Credit (HELOC) from Creekhills Credit Union, homeowners can tap into the available equity in their homes to finance a range of expenses such as home improvements and college tuition, refinance an existing higher-rate mortgage, or consolidate higher-interest debt.
A HELOC is a revolving form of credit that uses your home as collateral. During the 10-year active period, you can withdraw money to use however you see fit. Once your HELOC reaches the end of its revolving term, any remaining balance will be repaid with a 15-year term loan.
A HELOC is a slightly more flexible option than a home equity loan.
The simple answer is anything. With easy online access to your Home Equity Line of Credit and check writing privileges, you can use your HELOC like cash to make online payments or purchases, transfer funds into a linked deposit account, write checks to contractors for home renovations, pay a child’s school tuition, and more. Some people open a HELOC in case of an emergency and don’t use it right away. There is no obligation to withdraw funds from your HELOC and, with a lower interest rate than a credit card, it’s an attractive credit option.
Principal & Interest
Pay down your HELOC balance with principal and interest payments from the start. This will mean larger minimum payments but a faster repayment period. This could be a good option for homeowners who don’t plan to use all of their available credit or to only use the HELOC in case of an emergency.
Interest-Only
Make interest-only payments for the first 5 years of your HELOC term. You still have the option to pay towards the principal balance any time you wish. This could be a good option when you use your HELOC to finance a big expense, like a home renovation, that will reach its full value upon completion (at which time you might refinance your mortgage and pay off the HELOC).