
With a Home Equity Line of Credit (HELOC) seven year draw, you can tap into your home's equity to fund home improvement projects. This type of loan allows you to borrow money as needed.
The draw period, which is typically seven years, is the time frame during which you can borrow money from your HELOC. During this period, you can access the funds you need to complete your home improvement projects.
Interest rates on HELOCs are often variable, which means they can change over time. This means your monthly payments may increase if the interest rate rises.
Consider reading: How to Use a Heloc to Buy a New Home
How It Works
A HELOC is a line of credit secured by your home, allowing you to borrow as needed up to an approved credit limit.
The term of a HELOC includes a draw period and a repayment period. At Navy Federal, for example, the draw period lasts for 20 years.
Interest will accrue only when you use your line of credit. This means you won't pay interest on the full credit limit unless you borrow money.
During the draw period, you'll make interest-only payments, which can help keep your monthly payments low.
Check this out: How to Increase Heloc Limit
APR and Interest
The APR on a HELOC can change monthly, based on changes in the prime rate, which is updated according to the published rate in The Wall Street Journal on the first work day of every month.
At Navy Federal, the minimum APR for HELOCs is 3.99% and the maximum APR is 18%.
Variable HELOC rates can readjust as often as once a month, which means the amount of interest you owe could change multiple times throughout the life of your home equity line of credit.
You can borrow as needed up to an approved credit limit, and interest will accrue only when you use your line of credit.
Interest will accrue only during the draw period, which is 20 years at Navy Federal.
Traditional HELOC rates are closely tied to the prevailing index rate, also known as the Prime Rate.
The rate you're offered is the introductory period rate, and it can routinely fluctuate.
This means you can better anticipate how much interest you'll owe each month and in total if you opt for a fixed interest rate HELOC.
Check this out: Current Heloc Rates Mn
Repayment Options
A HELOC generally consists of two phases: the draw period with interest-only payments and the repayment period with principal and interest payments. This is a common arrangement for HELOCs, but it's essential to review your specific loan terms to understand what's expected.
During the draw period, you may have the option to only make interest payments, which can be a relief for homeowners who need access to cash quickly. However, it's crucial to remember that interest will continue to accrue on your outstanding balance.
The repayment period typically begins after the draw period ends, and during this time, borrowers normally make principal and interest payments for the remainder of the loan. This is usually the longest part of the loan term, and it's where you'll pay back the borrowed amount plus interest.
Here's a summary of the repayment process:
- Draw period: interest-only payments (typically 5-10 years)
- Repayment period: principal and interest payments (remainder of the loan term)
Some HELOCs may come with prepayment penalties, so it's essential to review your loan terms and compare offers from multiple lenders to find the best repayment option for your needs.
How Repayments Work
A HELOC typically has two phases: the draw period and the repayment period. During the draw period, you may only make interest payments, which can be a good option if you're not using the full amount borrowed.
The draw period usually lasts between five to 10 years, giving you time to use the funds as needed. After this period ends, you'll switch to making full principal and interest payments for the remainder of the term.
There may be prepayment penalties if you decide to repay your HELOC early, so it's essential to understand the terms before applying. Some lenders may also charge an annual fee, so be sure to compare offers from multiple lenders to find the best repayment option for your needs.
Here's a breakdown of the two phases:
The repayment process is straightforward: after the draw period ends, you'll make principal and interest payments for the remainder of the loan. This will help you lower costs and avoid penalties or defaults.
Loan Conversion Options

If your Navy Federal HELOC is older than 6 months, you can convert it to a Fixed-Rate Equity Loan. This conversion will prevent you from making any additional draws.
You can convert your HELOC to a Fixed-Rate Equity Loan in accordance with the terms of your loan, which can be found in your loan closing package.
To convert your HELOC, call Navy Federal at 1-888-842-6328 for more information.
Suggestion: Heloc Loan Credit Union
Loan Details
The loan details for a HELOC with 7-year draw terms are as follows: the loan can be borrowed up to 80% of the property's value, and the interest rate is variable, tied to the prime lending rate.
You can borrow funds as needed during the 7-year draw period, and repayments are interest-only during this time.
Additional reading: 10 Year Term Life Insurance Cost
Key Information
A HELOC's draw period is your window of time where you can borrow funds as you need it up to your approved credit limit amount.
You can borrow funds as you need it during the draw period, but you'll need to repay the lender for the funds you utilized during this time.
Related reading: What Documents Are Needed for a Heloc
The draw period is a crucial part of a HELOC, and it's essential to understand how it works to make the most of your financing solution.
Here are the key terms associated with the draw period:
- Draw period: the time during which you can borrow funds as you need it
- Approved credit limit amount: the maximum amount you can borrow during the draw period
After the draw period, you'll enter the repayment period, where you'll begin paying back the lender for the funds you utilized.
The repayment period is the time after the draw period where you'll pay back the lender for the funds you borrowed.
On a similar theme: How Does a Heloc Get Paid Back
Home Improvement Loan
You can convert your HELOC to a Fixed-Rate Equity Loan if your Navy Federal HELOC is older than 6 months. This conversion will prevent you from making any additional draws.
Converting a HELOC will also require you to refer to your loan closing package for additional conditions. You can call 1-888-842-6328 if you have questions about converting a HELOC.
See what others are reading: Credit Score for a Heloc Loan
Frequently Asked Questions
How do HELOC payments work during the draw period?
During the HELOC draw period, you can make interest-only payments on borrowed funds or pay back the principal amount if needed. You can also withdraw only a portion of the available funds, if desired.
Sources
- https://www.navyfederal.org/loans-cards/equity/faqs.html
- https://www.rate.com/resources/heloc-faq
- https://www.discover.com/home-loans/articles/how-does-heloc-repayment-work/
- https://www.citizensbank.com/learning/heloc-draw-period-and-repayment-period.aspx
- https://www.wesbanco.com/personal/loans-credit-cards/home-equity/
Featured Images: pexels.com