efore you apply for a home equity loan, first decide if a fixed-rate home equity loan (HEL) or a variable-rate home equity line of credit (HELOC) will better suit your needs. While a home equity loan offers you a fixed interest rate for a set amount to be repaid over a specified period of time, a home equity line of credit is more flexible - you can borrow what you need up to your approved credit amount at a variable rate that can adjust.
Before you apply for a home equity loan, first decide if a fixed-rate home equity loan (HEL) or a variable-rate home equity line of credit (HELOC) will better suit your needs. While a home equity loan offers you a fixed interest rate for a set amount to be repaid over a specified period of time, a home equity line of credit is more flexible - you can borrow what you need up to your approved credit amount at a variable rate that can adjust.
Loan Application Questions
Since both are secured by the collateral in your home, there are specific questions you will want answered before you apply:
Annual Percentage Rate (APR)
Is the rate fixed or variable? What is the actual APR once the introductory period ends, if any? How often can the rate adjust?
Cap
What is the maximum rate amount your loan can increase annually? During its lifetime?
Closing costs
How much do fees and other closing costs add to the Annual Percentage Rate (APR)? What are my out-of-pocket costs?
Conversion
Does your adjustable loan allow you to convert to a fixed rate? If so, how many conversions are allowed and is there a conversion fee?
Draw period
How long will the money be available to use?
Fees
Are any of the fees due upfront, refundable, or built into the costs of the loan?
Index
What is the index used to calculate your HELOC rate and how often does it change?
Margin
How many percentage points are added to the index to determine your adjustable HELOC rate?
Pre-payment penalty
Are there any fees to pay my loan off early?
Relationship Banking Benefits
Are there any benefits if I have my checking, savings, and home equity loan accounts at the same institution?
Repayment period
Is there a balloon payment due at the end of the loan period, or do I have an additional period of time to repay the loan?
Transaction fee
Is there a transaction fee for accessing your HELOC?
Withdrawal amount
Is there a minimum amount you have to withdraw each time you access your HELOC?
Make sure to speak with a loan officer should you have other questions regarding loan terms and rates. Compare home equity rates.
: BestCashCow's Editorial Board has been led by Ari Socolow since 2008.
Available APRs range from 6.35% - 14.90%*, which includes the payment of a higher origination fee in exchange for a reduced interest rate, which is not available to all applicants or in all states.(the advertised APR includes a combined 0.25% discount for opting into a credit union membership (0%) and enrolling in autopay (0.25%) as well as payment of higher origination fee in exchange for a reduced rate, which is not available to all applicants or in all states). The lowest APRs are only available to the most qualified applicants, depending on credit profile and the state where the property is located, and those who also select five year loan terms; APRs will be higher for other applicants and those who select longer loan terms. Rates change frequently so your exact APR will depend on the date you apply. APRs for home equity lines of credit do not include costs other than interest. You will be responsible for an origination fee of up to 4.99% of your initial draw, depending on the state in which your property is located and your credit profile. You may also be responsible for paying the costs of valuation if an AVM is not available for your property ($180), manual notarization if your county doesn’t permit eNotary ($380), and recording fees ($0 - $315) and recording taxes, which vary by state and county ($0-$1,400 per one hundred thousand dollars borrowed). Property insurance is required as a condition of the loan and flood insurance may be required if your property is located in a flood zone.
Flexible terms, borrow $15K-$750K, redraw up to 100%
Use to consolidate debt or finance your next home project
Conditions… Variable APR of Prime minus 1.01% in all states. Min loan amount $10,000. Max loan amount $200,000. 30-year term. Annual fee waived for the first year. See conditions for guarantee at thirdfederal.com.
Third Federal rate are typically 20% lower than other leaders
Guaranteed Lowest Rate
No closing costs, prepayment penalties, or minimum draw requirements
Rates/terms are subject to change. All offers of credit are subject to credit approval. Applicants may be offered credit at higher rates and other terms. Property insurance (including flood insurance, if applicable) is required. HELOCs not offered in Texas. Membership at FourLeaf is required by opening a minimum $5 share account.
Rates shown are based on primary residence, minimum initial draw of $25,000 at account opening, monthly payments via automatic transfers from a FourLeaf checking/savings account, and borrower(s) inputs for credit score and Combined Loan-to-Value.
If borrower(s) qualifies for an intro rate, the intro APR is fixed for 12 months. After, standard APR is variable based on the U.S. Prime Rate, plus a margin, and is subject to increase. To obtain an intro rate, borrower(s) must meet credit/loan program requirements, including (but not limited to): 1) maximum CLTV of 75%, 2) minimum credit score of 720 3) initial draw of $25,000 and maintain this balance for 12 months, 4) monthly payments via automatic transfers from a FourLeaf checking/savings account, and 5) have not had an intro rate within the past 5 years. Loan amounts over $500,000 are not available for the intro rate.
The standard APR is variable based on the U.S. Prime Rate as published in the Wall Street Journal, plus a margin (if applicable), and is subject to increase after consummation. The current standard APR ranges from 7.50% - 18.00% as of 4/16/2025. Not all applicants will qualify for the lowest rate. The minimum floor APR is 3.25% and maximum is 18%. Prime Rate as of 4/16/2025 = 7.50%. Closing costs for the first $500,000 will be paid by FourLeaf but must be repaid by the borrower(s) if the HELOC is closed within first 36 months of account opening. Fees generally range between $500 - $15,000. Borrower(s) will be responsible for mortgage-related taxes and title insurance costs on the line amounts over $500,000. Fees generally range between $500 -$60,000.
Tap into your home's equity & access the funds you need with a HELOC
Apply online or speak with a specialist
No application, origination & appraisal fees on lines up to $500K[3]
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