How to Utilize HELOCs for Routine Maintenance

Home ownership has its advantages, including potential tax deductions and the buildup of equity (the difference between the home’s value and your mortgage balance). But home ownership also includes regular maintenance and repair: a new roof, more energy efficient windows and doors, an upgraded HVAC system, etc. It may even make you long for shiny new construction.

However, if an uncertain real estate market has you thinking about staying put and upgrading and maintaining your current home, consider tapping into the equity you’ve built up. Citadel Credit Union’s Home Equity Line of Credit (HELOC) can be a cost-effective way to help you cover these expenses to make necessary repairs and transform your living space.

HELOCs vs. Home Equity Loans

What is the difference between a Home Equity Loan and a Home Equity Line of Credit? With a home equity loan, you receive the money you are borrowing in a lump sum payment, and you usually have a fixed interest rate. With a home equity line of credit (HELOC), you have the ability to borrow or draw money multiple times from an available maximum amount. (Source: Consumer Financial Protection Bureau)

Essentially, a home equity loan functions much like a traditional loan: you get a specified amount of money, you use it, you pay it back over time.

A HELOC functions more like a credit card: you have a pre-determined amount of money available, based on the equity in your home, much like a credit card limit. You can use that “credit” as needed, but you don’t have to use it all at once.

To apply for a HELOC, you need to have owned your property for at least one year from the settlement date. An evaluation of your property as well as information on your income and expenses will be required as well. Take a more in-depth look at the requirements for applying for a home equity loan or line of credit.

HELOCs for Routine Maintenance

Using a HELOC for routine but pricey maintenance is a good use of this type of financing. Regular maintenance not only keeps your home in top condition, but you can recoup your outlay when you sell the house.

Let’s say you have $100,000 in equity available when you’re ready to make some repairs. This spring, you may want to utilize $10,000 to install a new roof. Perhaps you’ll want to replace leaky doors and windows in the fall for another $10,000. For those fixes, you can take advantage of your HELOC when you want it and are charged interest only on the amount you use.

With Citadel, accessing your HELOC funds is as easy as transferring the money to your current checking account and writing a check or using your Citadel MasterCard. Advances can also be completed in a Retail office or through Online & Mobile Banking. Home Equity Line of Credit checks are available through Retail offices or the contact center.

Home Improvements are Tax-Deductible