Today we are excited to announce the release of our new eBook, 4 Ways to Use a Home Equity Line of Credit (HELOC), which is now available to download by clicking this link: 4 Ways to Use a Home Equity Line of Credit (HELOC) eBook.
Created to address confusion around HELOCs, this free resource covers everything you need to know, including:
- What a home equity line of credit is and how it works
- The advantages of a home equity line of credit
- How to use a HELOC for home improvements, debt consolidation, major purchases and even as an emergency fund
You’ll also find links to other helpful resources, including Prosper’s easy-to-use HELOC calculator, throughout this 10-page guide.
To get your free copy of 4 Ways to Use a Home Equity Line of Credit (HELOC) today, follow this link. Not in the mood to download a file? We’ve got you covered. We’ve laid out the eBook content below, if you’d prefer to read it that way.
In This Article
What Is a Home Equity Line of Credit (HELOC)?
A home equity line of credit, or HELOC, is a revolving line of credit based on the equity you’ve built up in your home. A home’s equity is the difference between the value of your home and your mortgage balance. A HELOC works like a credit card but because the line of credit is secured by your home, you can access more money at a lower interest rate than a credit card or personal loan. Keep in mind that in exchange for the lower rate, your home acts as collateral for the line of credit.
It’s also important to know that with a HELOC, there’s a defined draw period from which you can borrow (usually 5–10 years). Once the draw period ends, you enter the repayment period (typically 10–20 years).
How Should I Use a HELOC?
In short, you can use the funds from a HELOC for any purpose. While home improvements are among the most common uses (remember: your home is the collateral for the HELOC), you may utilize your home equity to consolidate debt or finance a large expense.
However, before you apply, it’s important to know what you want to use your HELOC for. Here are the four smartest ways to use a HELOC.
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1. HELOC for Home Improvements
While there are a number of ways to pay for your next home renovation project, as a homeowner with equity, a home equity line of credit (HELOC) may be the best way to finance your home improvements. Here’s why:
A HELOC offers increased flexibility of funds, so you can use your credit when your projects are completed and invoices need to be paid.
You’ll have less stress as delays and unexpected costs in house projects are common. With a HELOC, you can draw money when you need should costs and deadlines change.
Not sure which projects you want to start on first? A HELOC allows you to gradually withdraw money to pay in stages, as the work is booked and completed.
During the draw period, you may be given the option to make interest-only payments.
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2. HELOC for Debt Consolidation
Homeowners who are struggling with high-interest debt may be able to use their home equity to consolidate balances. A HELOC can offer you access to a larger sum of money as an option to consolidate your debt. Here’s why a HELOC could be useful for debt consolidation:
Lower Interest Rates: A key benefit to a HELOC is you may be able to borrow money at a lower interest rate than you pay on your current debt. The lower the rate, the more you’ll save as you pay off your consolidated debt.
One Easy Payment: Instead of keeping up with multiple payment due dates, consolidating your debt with a HELOC helps you manage it all with one easy monthly payment
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3. HELOC as an Emergency Fund
5 If you’re in need of cash fast, a home equity line of credit may be your best solution as a homeowner. A HELOC may offer a variety of benefits when you need access to money quickly, such as when covering an emergency situation like a roof leak or medical bill.
A HELOC allows you access to a revolving line of credit and usually, a HELOC offers a lower interest rate and a higher line amount than credit cards or personal loans. But it’s important to understand you are using your home as collateral. You have to be mindful to only borrow what you can afford to pay back.
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4. HELOC for Major Purchases
Need to make a major purchase, but you don’t have enough in your bank account to cover the upfront cost? A HELOC may help out in that situation. Because, as stated before, a home equity line of credit can provide you access to a large sum of money, depending on how much equity you have built in your home.
Here are some big-ticket items a HELOC can help you cover:
- College
- Car
- Vacation
- Wedding
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Conclusion
Now that you know the smartest ways to use a home equity line of credit, the next step is to figure out if it’s the right option for you. While there are many advantages to a HELOC, if you aren’t able to pay on time, your home is on the line. That’s why it is so important to assess your financial wellness and use the funds appropriately so you can pay back the amount you owe in the time allotted.
If you feel certain a HELOC is right for you, you may want to check how much you can borrow using a HELOC calculator. From there, you can see how much you can borrow and begin the application process.
Eligibility for a home equity loan or HELOC up to the maximum amount shown depends on the information provided in the home equity application. Depending on the lender, loans above $250,000 may require an in-home appraisal and title insurance. Depending on the lender, HELOC borrowers must take an initial draw of the greater of $50,000 or 50% of the total line amount at closing, except in Texas, where the minimum initial draw at closing is $60,000; subsequent HELOC draws are prohibited during the first 90 days following closing; after the first 90 days following closing, subsequent HELOC draws must be $1,000, or more, except in Texas, where the minimum subsequent draw amount is $4,000.
The amount of time it takes to get funds varies. It is measured from the time the lender receives all documents requested from the applicant and depends on the time it takes to verify information provided in the application. The time period calculation to get funds is based on the first 4 months of 2023 loan fundings, assumes the funds are wired, excludes weekends, and excludes the government-mandated disclosure waiting period.
For Texas home equity products through Prosper, funds cannot be used to pay (in part or in full) non-homestead debt at account opening.
Depending on the lender, qualified home equity applicants may borrow up to 80% – 95% of their primary home’s value and up to 80% – 90% of the value of a second home. In Texas, qualified applicants may borrow up to 80% of their home’s value. HELoan applicants may borrow up to 85% of the value of an investment property (not available for HELOCs).
Home equity products through Prosper may not be available in all states.
All home equity products are underwritten and issued by Prosper’s Lending Partners. Please see your agreement for details.
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