A Quick Guide to Buying Your First Home
Whether you want to update your home, cover unexpected costs, or pursue your passion, your home can unlock the funds you need.
A home equity line of credit (HELOC) is beneficial because it provides flexible, low-interest access to the funds you created by building equity in your home, that can be used for a variety of purposes, from home renovations to debt consolidation, all while allowing you to keep your existing low-rate primary mortgage.
Choiceline HELOCs are essentially second mortgages, meaning you don’t need to refinance your primary mortgage. This ensures you can keep your lower rate on that mortgage.
Interest paid on ChoiceLine HELOCs may be tax deductible if funds are used to significantly improve the home the loan was secured against.
Variable APR* as low as
Variable APR* as low as
*Individual rates may vary. Rates, terms and conditions are subject to change and may vary based on creditworthiness, age and condition of collateral, and product selected. All loans subject to approval. Annual Percentage Rate (APR) on ChoiceLine Equity is as low as 7.00% based on a maximum 80% loan-to-value on a borrower's stick built primary residence. Current range of variable rates = 7.00%-9.00% Higher APR on manufactured homes classified as real property and on loan-to-values exceeding 80%. The variable APR is subject to change monthly, based on The Wall Street Journal Prime Rate. Draw period for line is 10 years. Value method and cost determined during application process. If a property appraisal is required borrower pays for appraisal costs. Fixed advances may be taken under the line for a fixed term and APR; ask us for current rates, terms and applicable charges. Property insurance is required. Borrower is responsible for any escrow fees if a home equity line requires closing in escrow; applicable charges will be disclosed prior to closing. Property must be owner occupied and located in the states of Washington or Oregon. For details, please contact Peak Credit Union at (800) 258-3115. Appraisals for a single unit property range from $750-$800. NMLS #530610
Home equity is the portion of your home’s value that you truly “own.” It is calculated as the appraised market value minus what you still owe on mortgages or other liens.
A HELOC is a revolving line of credit secured by the equity in your home. You can draw funds up to your approved credit limit, repay, and draw again during the draw period.
The amount depends on your home’s value, outstanding balances on mortgages, and the credit union’s maximum allowed combined loan-to-value (CLTV).
We offer two tiers:
CLTV is the total amount you owe on your home, including your mortgage and HELOC, compared to your home’s value. For example:
Value: $400,000
+ 1st Lien (Mortgage): $200,000
+ HELOC: $100,000
= 75% CLTV
= 75% CLTV
The actual amount you can borrow also depends on your credit score, income, debt-to-income ratio; all loans are subject to underwriting approval and the credit union’s policies.
Yes. The minimum credit line amount is $10,000.
It varies, but the majority of our Choiceline HELOCs close in a few weeks.
The funds are flexible. Examples include; home improvements, debt consolidation, education, and medical expenses.
As of now, under the U.S. tax rules, interest on home equity debt may only be deductible if the funds are used to “buy, build, or substantially improve” the home used to secure the loan. Consult a tax advisor to determine eligibility.
Generally, only one home equity loan or HELOC is allowed on your property.
The minimum monthly payment will be $100.00 per $10,000 of the outstanding balance after each advance or a portion thereof.
Yes. Under the Truth in Lending Act (TILA), for primary residence, borrowers have three business days after closing to cancel (rescind) the loan without penalty.
You pay the outstanding balance and applicable interest through your normal payment channels. Then, contact the credit union to formally close the HELOC account.
When you sell your home, the funds from the sale are first used to pay off any outstanding liens, including your home equity loan or line of credit. After that, any remaining proceeds will be paid to you.
Under most circumstances, the credit union cannot demand early payment unless there is a default or violation of the loan terms–such as failure to pay property taxes, insurance, or transfer of property ownership.
Yes. The property must be your primary residence or secondary residence.