Blog Highlights:
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Financing Life Milestones: Learn how to utilize your home's equity to finance significant life events such as weddings, education, or medical procedures through a home equity line of credit with predictable repayments for easier long-term budgeting.
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Investing in Real Estate: Discover how a home equity loan can be a strategic move to fund investments in rental properties or second homes by using your home's equity for down payments or purchases to generate income and asset growth.
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Healthcare Expenses: Find out how leveraging your home equity can provide the necessary relief to cover out-of-pocket expenses for health care, medical treatment, and other wellness services.
If you're a homeowner, a smart money move is thinking creatively about leveraging your home’s equity to finance opportunities to help you achieve your major goals. Regardless of the reason why you need extra funds, using the equity you have built in your home can transform your financial future and help you reach your goals faster.
What is a Home Equity Line of Credit?
A Home Equity Line of Credit, often abbreviated as HELOC, is a flexible loan where the borrower can draw money as needed, up to a pre-approved credit limit. It works similarly to a credit card but is secured by your home’s equity. A HELOC typically has a variable interest rate, and the borrower only pays interest on the amount drawn. CCCU even allows you to lock in your rate for 5 or 15 years. After your draw period, you will have 15 additional years to repay the loan balance (your repayment period) in monthly installments. While you are able to borrow up to 80% of your home's appraised value, you are only required to take a minimum line amount of $10,000.
While HELOCs are commonly used for renovations and repairs, their flexibility makes them suitable for a variety of financial needs, helping homeowners build a solid financial future.
3 Unexpected Ways to Use Your Home's Equity
1. Financing Milestones
Whether you're planning a dream wedding, investing in higher education for yourself or a loved one, or facing unexpected medical procedures, a HELOC can be a valuable financial tool. With a HELOC, you can access funds as needed, up to a pre-approved limit, allowing you to cover expenses with flexibility and ease. The predictable repayment structure of a HELOC aids in long-term budgeting, providing peace of mind as you plan for the future. By utilizing your home's equity, you can transform these life milestones into achievable goals, all while maintaining financial stability and control.
2. Invest in Real Estate
By tapping into the equity you've built in your primary residence you can access a substantial amount of capital that can be used to secure additional properties. This approach not only allows you to diversify your investment portfolio but also provides an opportunity to benefit from the appreciation of real estate values over time. Furthermore, rental properties can offer a steady stream of passive income, helping to offset the costs of the loan and potentially increasing your overall financial stability. As the real estate market continues to evolve, leveraging a HELOC for such investments can be a powerful tool in building long-term wealth and achieving financial independence.
3. Major Healthcare Expenses
Whether you are facing unexpected medical bills, need to fund ongoing treatments, or are planning for elective procedures, tapping into your home’s equity can provide a flexible and accessible source of funds. This approach not only helps manage immediate costs but also allows you to focus on your health and well-being without the added stress of financial strain. Additionally, using home equity for healthcare expenses can be a strategic way to ensure you or your loved ones receive the necessary care and wellness services, from routine check-ups to specialized treatments, without compromising your financial stability.
CCCU Can Help with Your High-Value Home Improvement Projects
There are a variety of ways to pay for high-value home upgrades. If you have the time to save money for the projects, paying cash can be an optimal choice. For those who require immediate improvements or need help funding these projects, CCCU offers a variety of affordable home improvement solutions to meet your needs.
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Home Equity Line of Credit (HELOC) – Best for ongoing or phased upgrades, a CCCU HELOC is a great choice that allows convenient access to use funds as you need them for renovations.
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Low-Rate Credit Cards – Using one of our low-interest rate credit cards is a smart choice for smaller home improvement purchases. CCCU offers a variety of credit card options for your home improvement projects and needs. In addition, there are no annual fees, and we offer fee-free cash advances and balance transfers.*
If you are looking for help financing your home improvement project, explore CCCU's home equity lines of credit, personal loans, or credit card options today. Still not sure which solution is best? Contact us and our loan experts will help you find the right solution for your unique situation.
*Balance transfer fees may apply during promotional rate periods. Contact credit union for complete list of fees. Actual Annual Percentage Rate is based on creditworthiness and will vary based on the Prime Lending Rate. Rates, terms, and conditions are subject to change. For more information, refer to our Visa Disclosures or contact the credit union.