Navigating Home Loan Options and Rates

With the Spring Home buying season around the corner, there may be some confusion over the different types of home loans available for those making the big purchase.

Financial One Credit Union is here to help – both with providing answers and with financing your new home.

Types of Home Loans: 

1. Adjustable Rate Mortgage

ARMs give you a fixed interest rate for a certain number of years (the “adjustment period”) at a very reasonable rate. Following that period, your mortgage then becomes what is called a variable rate mortgage, where the rate adjusts on an annual basis based on market conditions, usually +/-1%.

2. Fixed Rate Mortgage

With these loans, the interest rate is fixed for the term of the loan – usually for 15 or 30-year terms. Fixed rate mortgages are more stable over the long-term even though you may see a higher interest rate than you’d get at the beginning adjustment period of an ARM.

3. Home Equity Loans

These loans take advantage of the equity you have in your home and are available if you owe less on your home than it is worth. Home Equity loans give you large amounts of funds to use for a variety of reasons and are available through Financial One Credit Union as lump sum loans (up to 100% loan to value) or as a Home Equity Line of Credit (up to 80% loan to value variable rate).

Interest Rates

Interest rates fluctuate daily based on changes in financial markets. Your individual interest rate will be determined based on your credit score, your income vs. debt ratio, down payment amount, the amount being borrowed, and the term of the loan. If you have any questions about how interest rates are calculated or why they fluctuate, please don’t hesitate to contact us.

Rates at Credit Unions are Often Better than Banks

According to Investopedia, Credit Unions are able to turn income into savings for their members. “Since profits to stockholders aren't a part of the company vision, credit unions are free to pass surplus money on to members.” In addition, Credit Unions don’t need to answer to stockholders; we are member-owned and are concerned with benefiting members over anything else.

Apply now for a Home Mortgage Loan from Financial One Credit Union, or view our current rates here.

Update Your Home With a Financial One Home Improvement Loan

The springtime reinvigorates many homeowners to clean, improve, and even renovate their house. It is the time to freshen up your home and get that home improvement checklist done. Even if you don’t have a lot of cash to put towards improving your home, there might still be a simple option for you.

Financial One Federal Credit Union offers home equity loans to reinvest in your house, making the improvements you need and increase your home’s overall value. Some might call it a “home improvement loan” because our members take out a home equity line of credit to use it for home maintenance almost as often as it is used for debt consolidation. We gathered a list of home improvements you would be wise to make on your home that have a great return on investment and will put your home equity to good use.

1. A New Garage Door

Surprisingly, a new garage door is one home improvement project that has the highest return on investment. This is because it can drastically improve your home's curb appeal!

2. Insulation in the Attic

Besides keeping your attic free from pests and mold, insulation works to make your home's HVAC system run more efficiently. This update kills two home improvement birds with one stone!

3. Kitchen Upgrades

Have you been dreaming of granite counter tops or a farmhouse sink? If you spend your money wisely, kitchen upgrades can have a very high return on investment and are one of the first things people will notice in your home.

4. Adding a Patio or Porch

Adding a porch, patio, deck, or an outdoor living space to your home is a great way to increase the usable square footage of your property and make your home feel larger without the huge expense of an add-on. The outdoor project with the highest ROI is a well-designed fire pit area.

5. Replacing Old Appliances

If you live in an older home, there are likely numerous appliances that are running inefficiently in your home. Spending the money to install a new HVAC system or tankless water heater can really pay off in the long run.

These are just some of the many ways you can reinvest back into your home with a home improvement loan. At Financial One, we help our members transition their hard-earned home equity into budget-friendly financing options for all your home improvement needs. Stop in and ask about a home equity loan from Financial One today!

Home Equity Line of Credit Frequently Asked Questions

Getting in control of your finances doesn’t have to be difficult, but it can be hard to navigate through the vast amount of financial jargon. Take a look below at our frequently asked questions about home equity loans and lines of credit at Financial One.

General Information

- What is a home equity loan?

A home equity loan uses the equity in your home as collateral to secure the loan. The interest rate and monthly payments are fixed which guarantees you a steady and predictable repayment schedule for the remainder of the loan repayment.

- What is a home equity line of credit?

A home equity line of credit is a line of credit secured by your home with a variable interest. It is the maximum amount that you can borrow with a mortgage lender. When you borrow, you only pay interest on the amount of money you actually borrow—not the full line amount.

- Why should I choose a home equity loan or line of credit?

A home equity loan or line of credit with a fixed monthly payment will help your budgeting process for short-term and long-term needs much easier.

- Why should I refinance?

Refinancing loans can help you lower your monthly payment or interest rate on a current loan. You can also switch from a loan with an adjustable rate to one with a fixed rate to have a better idea of your monthly bills. Lastly, refinancing allows you to change the remaining term of a loan and refinance for a higher amount in order to pay off existing debt.

Loan Usage

- What could my home equity line of credit possibly cover?

A Financial One home equity line of credit (HELOC) is often used to cover education expenses, debt consolidation, home renovations and repairs. You can also use a HELOC to finance special life events, like weddings, a new baby, family vacations, and more.

- How can I protect my loan?

To provide the best possible coverage protection on your loan, Financial One offers a Payment Protection plan with Credit Life and Credit Disability insurance. The Payment Protection is available to safeguard your credit and collateral.

Rates and Repayments

- What rates are available?

Loan rates vary based on the loan, your mortgage history, and other factors. Visit our website to view a chart of available rates.

- What terms and repayment options are available?

Financial One Credit Union offers flexible loan plans. Our home equity installment loans feature a fixed annual percentage rate with flexible terms, ranging from 5 to 15 years. Home equity 5-year balloon installment loans feature a fixed annual percentage rate with a 5-year term and a repayment period of up to 20 years.

With loan amounts as small as $5,000, Financial One offers member-first, professional, and helpful service throughout your entire loan seeking process. Visit Financial One Credit Union for more information or apply online for a home equity loan or line of credit.