Q: I’m doing some home renovations this spring and I’m not sure how to finance this expense. There are so many options! Which one makes the most sense?

A: As a member of Omaha Federal Credit Union, you have several options for funding a home renovation. You can open a HELOC, or a Home Equity Line Of Credit, which is an open credit line that’s secured by your home’s value and has a draw period of 9 years. You can also fund your renovations with a 2nd Mortgage Loan.

What is a home equity loan? 

A home equity loan (HEL) is a loan secured by a home’s value. When homeowners open a HEL, they will receive a fixed amount of cash in one lump sum. Most home equity loans have a fixed interest rate, a fixed term and a fixed monthly payment.

What are the advantages of a home equity loan? 

The primary benefit a HEL has over other loans is its fixed interest rate. This means the loan will not be subject to increasing interest rates and borrowers know exactly how much their monthly payment will be for the entire life of the loan. Also, the interest paid on a home equity loan is often 100% tax-deductible (consult your tax adviser for details).

Another benefit of the HEL is its repayment plan. Borrowers will be making payments toward the loan’s interest and principal throughout its life. At the end of the loan term, the entire amount will be paid up.

Are there any disadvantages to taking out a home equity loan?

While a home equity loan offers the funds needed to cover a home improvement project with an affordable repayment plan, it’s important to know about every aspect of a HEL before applying.

Also, when taking out a home equity loan, borrowers will receive their funds in one shot. This makes a HEL a great option for homeowners who know exactly what kind of work they will do on their homes. However, if they only have a vague idea about the renovations they want to do and how much they’ll cost, they may end up borrowing an insufficient amount.

Finally, borrowers will need to make a monthly payment on their loan throughout its life. Before taking out a HEL, be sure you can afford the payments.

Call or text 402.399.9001, click, or stop by Omaha Federal Credit Union to learn more, and to start applying for your loan today.