Unlock the Value in Your Home

Tap into your home's equity with flexible borrowing options. Whether it's home improvements, debt consolidation, or major expenses, we have a solution.

6.99% APR Starting At
2 Loan Options
85% Combined LTV
Home Equity

See How Much Equity You Can Access

Estimate your available home equity based on your home's value and current mortgage balance.

$150k $350,000 $1M
$0 $200,000 $800k
Current Equity
$150,000
Available to Borrow
$120,000
Estimated Monthly Payment (HELOC Draw Period)
$350
Interest-only during 10-year draw period
Equity Calculator

Choose Your Home Equity Option

Compare Home Equity Loans and HELOCs to find the right fit for your needs.

LUMP SUM

Home Equity Loan Fixed Rate

6.99% APR*
  • One-time lump sum payment
  • Fixed interest rate
  • Fixed monthly payments
  • 5, 10, 15, 20 year terms
  • Predictable repayment schedule
  • Ideal for one-time expenses
Apply Now
FLEXIBLE

HELOC Variable Rate

7.49% APR*
  • Revolving line of credit
  • Borrow as needed
  • Variable interest rate
  • 10-year draw period
  • Interest-only payments available
  • Ideal for ongoing expenses
Apply Now

* APR based on creditworthiness and loan-to-value ratio. Terms apply.

Special Limited-Time Offer

No closing costs on HELOCs over $50,000. Plus, 0.25% rate discount with automatic payments.1

Home Equity Loan vs. HELOC

Features Home Equity Loan HELOC
How It Works Lump sum paid upfront Line of credit to draw from as needed
Interest Rate Fixed rate Variable rate (can change)
Monthly Payments Fixed, predictable payments Vary based on balance and rate
Loan Terms 5, 10, 15, 20 years 10-year draw, 20-year repayment
Access to Funds One-time access Ongoing access during draw period
Payment Options Principal + interest Interest-only during draw
Best For One-time projects, debt consolidation Ongoing expenses, multiple projects
Maximum LTV Up to 85% Up to 85%

Common Ways to Use Home Equity

Home Improvements

Kitchen remodels, bathroom renovations, room additions, roofing, HVAC

Debt Consolidation

Combine high-interest credit cards and loans into one lower payment

Education Expenses

College tuition, private school, continuing education

Emergency Expenses

Medical bills, unexpected repairs, family emergencies

Vehicle Purchase

Buy a car, boat, or RV with potentially lower rates

Business Startup

Fund a new business or side venture

Special Occasions

Weddings, milestone celebrations, dream vacations

Investments

Purchase investment property or diversify portfolio

Detailed Product Information

Home Equity Loan - Complete Details

A home equity loan, often called a second mortgage, provides a lump sum of money with a fixed interest rate and fixed monthly payments. It's ideal for homeowners who know exactly how much they need for a specific purpose.

Key Features:

  • Loan Amounts: $10,000 - $250,000 (based on equity)
  • Fixed Interest Rate: 6.99% - 12.99% APR based on creditworthiness
  • Loan Terms: 5, 10, 15, or 20 years
  • Maximum LTV: Up to 85% combined loan-to-value
  • Closing Costs: 2% - 5% of loan amount (may be rolled in)

Requirements:

  • Minimum credit score: 620
  • Minimum equity: 15-20% (less than 85% LTV)
  • Debt-to-income ratio: Below 43%
  • Stable income and employment history
  • Primary or secondary residence

Pros & Cons:

Pros:

  • Fixed rate - predictable payments
  • Lump sum for large expenses
  • Fixed repayment term

Cons:

  • Must take full amount upfront
  • Closing costs apply
  • Less flexibility than HELOC

Loan approval subject to credit and property appraisal. Your home secures the loan.

HELOC (Home Equity Line of Credit) - Complete Details

A HELOC works like a credit card secured by your home. You have a credit limit and can borrow as needed during the draw period, paying interest only on what you use.

How It Works:

  • Draw Period: 10 years - borrow as needed, interest-only payments
  • Repayment Period: 20 years - no new borrowing, principal + interest
  • Credit Limit: $10,000 - $250,000 based on equity
  • Variable Rate: 7.49% - 13.99% APR (prime + margin)
  • Maximum LTV: Up to 85% combined loan-to-value

Features:

  • Interest-Only Payments: During draw period (10 years)
  • Flexible Access: Online transfers, checks, or card
  • Rate Caps: Lifetime cap on rate increases
  • No closing costs on qualified HELOCs
  • Convert to fixed rate on portions of balance

Requirements:

  • Minimum credit score: 660
  • Minimum equity: 15-20% (less than 85% LTV)
  • Debt-to-income ratio: Below 43%
  • Stable income and employment history

Pros & Cons:

Pros:

  • Borrow only what you need
  • Interest-only payments during draw
  • Flexible access to funds

Cons:

  • Variable rate can increase
  • Payments increase in repayment
  • Requires discipline to manage

HELOC rates are variable and may increase. Your home secures the line of credit.

Tax Implications of Home Equity

Understanding the tax treatment of home equity borrowing is important for financial planning.

Interest Deductibility:

  • Interest on home equity debt may be tax-deductible if funds are used to buy, build, or substantially improve your home.
  • Limit: Interest is deductible on up to $750,000 of qualified residence loans (or $375,000 married filing separately).
  • If used for other purposes (debt consolidation, education, etc.), interest is generally not deductible.

Consult a Tax Professional:

Tax laws are complex and subject to change. We recommend consulting with a qualified tax advisor to understand how home equity borrowing affects your specific situation.

Ashmore Trust Bank does not provide tax advice.

Why Choose Ashmore Trust for Home Equity

Fast Approvals

Get a decision quickly, often within 24-48 hours of application.

Competitive Rates

Low fixed and variable rates with discounts for automatic payments.

Local Decisions

Your application is reviewed by local lenders who know our community.

No Prepayment Penalties

Pay off your loan early without any additional fees.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the difference between a home equity loan and a HELOC?

A home equity loan provides a one-time lump sum with a fixed rate and fixed payments - like a traditional second mortgage. A HELOC is a revolving line of credit with a variable rate, allowing you to borrow as needed during the draw period (typically 10 years) and make interest-only payments. Choose a loan for one-time expenses, or a HELOC for ongoing or unpredictable needs.

How much equity can I borrow against?

Most lenders allow you to borrow up to 80-85% of your home's appraised value, minus your current mortgage balance. This is called your combined loan-to-value ratio (CLTV). For example, if your home is worth $400,000 and you owe $200,000, you have $200,000 in equity. At 85% CLTV, you could access up to $140,000 ($400,000 × 85% = $340,000 total loans - $200,000 existing = $140,000 available).

What are the closing costs?

Closing costs typically range from 2% to 5% of the loan amount and may include appraisal fees, title search, origination fees, and recording fees. For HELOCs, we often offer promotions with no closing costs for qualified borrowers. You can also choose to roll closing costs into your loan amount in some cases. Ask your loan officer about current offers.

Will I need an appraisal?

In most cases, yes. We need to verify your home's current value to determine your available equity. For smaller loan amounts, we may be able to use a desktop appraisal or automated valuation model (AVM) instead of a full in-person appraisal, which can save time and money. Your loan officer will advise on requirements.

Can I use home equity for anything?

Generally, yes. You can use funds for almost any purpose - home improvements, debt consolidation, education, medical expenses, or major purchases. However, be aware that if you use funds for purposes other than home improvements, the interest may not be tax-deductible. Also, using home equity for risky investments is not recommended, as your home secures the loan.

Ready to Unlock Your Home's Equity?

Apply online today or speak with a home equity specialist to find the right solution for your needs.

Apply Now Talk to a Specialist

1 No closing costs offer applies to HELOCs with initial draws of $50,000 or more. Offer subject to change and may be withdrawn at any time. 0.25% rate discount available with automatic payments from a Ashmore Trust checking account.

APR = Annual Percentage Rate. Rates shown are estimates and based on a loan-to-value ratio of 80% and excellent credit. Your actual rate may vary based on credit score, loan-to-value ratio, and other factors. All loans subject to credit approval.

Your home secures the loan. Failure to make payments could result in foreclosure. Terms and conditions apply. Ashmore Trust Bank is an Equal Housing Lender.