Why Get a HELOC (Home Equity Line of Credit)

Home Equity Loans & HELOCs

It’s one thing to know that you’ve got equity in your home, and another to know what you can do with it. A HELOC (Home Equity Line of Credit) can be a great solution if you aren’t sure how much money you need to borrow for upcoming home projects. It's also handy for consolidating debt.

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HELOCs vs. Home Equity Loans

A revolving Home Equity Line of Credit offers more flexibility than a lump-sum Home Equity Loan does. That's because with a HELOC, there's a maximum amount you can borrow. But you don’t have to take it all – or take it all at once. And you only pay interest on the amount you actually borrow.

There are some other differences between the 2 home equity options, including variable vs. fixed interest rates. But in a nutshell, it's about flexibility.

HELOCs for Home Projects

Most people who get a HELOC do it to fund home projects. It's such a good fit for those, because home projects can be so unpredictable. The final cost can change, and the work can end up taking longer than expected.

Also, HELOCs let you pace yourself. You can keep an Affinity Plus HELOC open for up to 10 years. So you could potentially complete several projects over time, instead of trying to do it all in one shot.

HELOCs for Debt Consolidation

You don’t have to wait for a home-improvement project to use a HELOC. The line of credit can also pay for other major expenses. And many people get a HELOC for debt consolidation.