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Your home is one of the most valuable assets you’ll ever own. Beyond providing comfort and security, it can also be a powerful financial tool. By building equity, you create access to funds that can help you manage expenses, invest in your future, or simply gain more financial flexibility when you need it most.
At Advance Financial, we believe that understanding how home equity works is key to making informed decisions about your money. Whether you’re considering a remodeling project, paying for education, or consolidating debt, it’s important to borrow wisely — and with confidence.
Home equity is the difference between your home’s market value and what you still owe on your mortgage. As you make payments and your home’s value grows, so does your equity.
For example, if your home is worth $250,000 and you owe $150,000 on your mortgage, you have $100,000 in equity. That equity represents real financial value — and it can be used to help you reach your goals.
The key is to use it responsibly. While it’s tempting to view equity as “extra money,” remember that it’s tied to your home, which means it should be used thoughtfully and with a plan.
You typically have two options that allow you to access your equity as a financial tool:
With Advance Financial, you can access your HELOC using a Visa® card or special checks — making it simple to manage your funds as you go.
When used wisely, your home equity can help you achieve meaningful financial goals. Here are some of the most common — and smart — ways members use their funds:
The best way to decide how to use your equity is to focus on long-term value. If your borrowing supports financial stability or helps improve your home’s worth, it’s likely a sound investment. It’s also a sound move if you can lower the rates you’re paying on other types of loans.
Because home equity loans and lines of credit are secured by your property, responsible borrowing is essential. Here are a few key guidelines:
Our lending team can help you evaluate your options, understand your payments, and make confident decisions that fit your unique financial situation.
Choosing the right partner matters. As your local credit union, Advance Financial offers more than great rates and lower fees — we offer guidance. Our focus is on helping members borrow smarter, not just faster.
What to consider:
For a limited time, Advance Financial is offering a 1.99% introductory APR* for the first 6 months on new Home Equity Lines of Credit, followed by a variable rate as low as 6.75% APR*. It’s a way to get started affordably while learning how your home’s equity can support your goals.
Your home’s equity represents years of investment — and it can open doors to future opportunities when used wisely. By understanding how equity works and exploring your loan options, you can build financial flexibility that supports your family, your goals, and your peace of mind.
Learn more about Home Equity Loans and Lines of Credit at advancefcu.org/borrow/home-equity-loans or explore our helpful CFPB Home Equity brochure to dig deeper into how this type of borrowing works.
*APR=Annual Percentage Rate. 1.99% introductory Annual Percentage Rate (APR) is available on Home Equity Lines of Credit (HELOC) with an 80% loan-to-value (LTV) or less. The APR is based on the person's credit worthiness. Offer is available for new applications submitted and is for a limited time only. Promotion eligibility is applicable to one borrower/member one time only. A minimum of one qualifying transaction must be made within 90 days of the HELOC open date for the introductory APR to apply. The introductory APR will remain fixed for the first 6 months and will begin on the date the HELOC is opened. After the introductory period, the APR becomes variable and adjusts based on the Prime Rate (the index) as published in the Wall Street Journal. As of October 30, 2025, the prime rate was 7.00%. The variable rate is as low as 6.75%. Variable interest rates may vary according to credit worthiness. Lifetime APR will not exceed 18% and will not go below 3%. Loans are subject to approval and program guidelines. Interest rates and program terms are subject to change without notice. Property insurance is required. Customer pays no closings costs or appraisal fee. Consult a tax advisor regarding the deductibility of interest.