afcu heloc Credit Union Home Equity Line of Credit

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The AF CU Home Equity Line of Credit is a flexible financial option that allows homeowners to borrow against their home's equity.

With a credit limit of up to $500,000, borrowers can access funds as needed for large purchases or home renovations.

AF CU members can enjoy competitive interest rates, making this a cost-effective way to tap into their home's value.

By using their home's equity, borrowers can avoid taking out a second mortgage or loan, which can save them thousands of dollars in interest over time.

Home Equity Line of Credit (HELOC)

A Home Equity Line of Credit (HELOC) can be a great way to access cash when you need it.

You can use the equity in your home to fund big expenses like a vacation, paying off high-interest debt, or sending your child to college.

A HELOC typically has a draw period and a payback period, with the draw period being the time when you can borrow money and the payback period being the time when you repay the loan.

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The draw period for a HELOC can be 5 to 10 years, depending on the lender. For example, Actors Federal Credit Union offers a 5-year draw period with a 15-year payback period.

The interest rate for a HELOC is typically based on the Wall Street Journal Prime Rate, which means it can be lower than other types of loans.

You'll need to have at least 20% equity in your home to qualify for a HELOC, and the maximum loan amount is typically around $500,000.

Here are some key terms to know when considering a HELOC:

Keep in mind that a HELOC is a type of secured loan, which means your home serves as collateral, and you may be subject to a prepayment penalty if you pay off the loan too quickly.

Benefits of a HELOC

A home equity line of credit offers one of the best rates you can obtain, thanks to the equity in your home backing it.

You can get approved for an amount and then only withdraw funds when you need them, giving you a stash of funds just in case.

A HELOC can be used for anything, whether it's home improvements, a new car, education expenses, or debt consolidation.

HELOC Rates Rates

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The APR for an AFECU Home Equity Line of Credit can be as low as the intro rate, which is not specified in the article. However, it's worth noting that the interest rate will convert to a variable rate after 12 months, based on the Prime Lending Rate plus a margin of 0% to 2.50% depending on your creditworthiness.

The current APR range for the variable rate is between 8.500% APR and 11.000% APR. This is based on the Prime Lending Rate as published in The Wall Street Journal, plus the margin.

Keep in mind that the maximum rate that can apply is 18.00% APR, and the maximum Loan-to-Value is 80%. Property insurance is also required.

Here are the current rates for AFECU Home Equity Lines of Credit:

Rates are subject to change, and the rates effective as of January 31, 2025.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much would a $50,000 HELOC cost per month?

For a $50,000 HELOC, monthly payments would be around $384 for interest-only or $457 for principle-and-interest, depending on the payment plan. The exact cost depends on the interest rate and payment terms.

Are credit unions best for HELOCs?

Credit unions may offer more affordable HELOC options due to lower fees and costs, but it's essential to compare rates and terms before making a decision

Why are banks no longer offering HELOCs?

Banks stopped offering HELOCs due to the difficulties in determining home equity during the Great Recession and housing crisis. This led to a decline in their availability from major lenders.

What disqualifies you for a HELOC?

A credit score below 680 and a history of late payments or negative credit events can make it harder to qualify for a HELOC. Borrowers with these credit issues may face additional scrutiny from lenders.

Antoinette Cassin

Senior Copy Editor

Antoinette Cassin is a seasoned copy editor with over a decade of experience in the field. Her expertise lies in medical and insurance-related content, particularly focusing on complex areas such as medical malpractice and liability insurance. Antoinette ensures that every piece of writing is clear, accurate, and free of legal and grammatical errors.

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