June 2021

Is debt consolidation on your to-do list? You might want to look into borrowing against your home’s equity to save. A Home Equity Line of Credit, or HELOC, could be a good option to lower your interest rate (and possibly even shorten your repayment time). 

What is a HELOC?
A HELOC is an open credit line that is secured by the paid value of the borrower’s home. Homeowners can generally open a HELOC with up to 85% of their home’s equity, or the difference between what’s left on their home loan and the current value of it.
 
HELOCs have a “draw” period, during which the borrower can access the available funds, ranging from 5-10 years. When the draw period ends, the loan will have to be repaid, either immediately or within the next 15-20 years. 


Once approved for a HELOC, borrowers can spend the funds however they choose. Debt consolidation and home renovations are popular uses for a HELOC. Some plans may require the homeowner to borrow a minimum amount at each draw, keep a predetermined amount outstanding or withdraw an initial advance when the HELOC is first established. Interested? Learn more about Scenic Community Credit Union's HELOCs.

Advantages of a HELOC

Only borrow what’s needed. 

A HELOC does not give borrowers a lump sum of cash. Instead, it offers a homeowner the freedom to withdraw funds from the line of credit as needed. Funds can be used however the borrower chooses. Common uses for HELOCs include home renovations, education, or paying off high-interest debt.

Qualify for a low rate. 

Interest rates continue to hover at all-time lows. Opening a HELOC now means qualifying for low interest rates on the line of credit. Most HELOCs have fluctuating interest rates, but some lenders allow for the possibility of converting large withdrawals into fixed-rate loans. Get in touch with a loan officer to see the rate for which you qualify.

Flexible terms. 

Terms and repayment plans for HELOCs are generally flexible. Many lenders only require borrowers to make payments toward interest during the draw period. Once that time is over, the borrower must pay back the entire principal immediately, or over the course of 15-20 years.

Potential tax benefits. 

As per the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017, the interest paid on home equity loans and lines of credit is tax-deductible if the funds are used to buy, build or substantially improve the home of the taxpayer who is securing the loan. (Remember to always check with your tax advisor.)

Low fees. 

A HELOC costs little or nothing to establish. SCCU's HELOC includes a no-closing-cost option, and there is no annual fee, application fee, or prepayment penalty.

How to Get a HELOC

Interested? Talk to a loan officer today at (423) 875-6955, message us for more details, or visit your closest branch. You have the option to borrow up to $250,000 with your HELOC, starting at a credit line of $15,000 with a 5-year draw period. Scenic Community Credit Union offers a no-closing-cost option for those who qualify, and there is no annual fee, application fee, or prepayment penalty. We love making financial peace possible for our members - get in touch today and ask us how we can help!

All loan rates and terms are subject to change without notice. Loan rates and terms will vary depending on the strength of the member's credit, and term selected. Actual rates could vary. Ask the credit union for the rate for which you qualify.

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