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Homeownership

Buying, owning and borrowing against a home — guides, podcasts and member stories.

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Whether you are saving for a down payment, comparing your first mortgage or putting your equity to work, start with the guides below — then use the filters to narrow things down.

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Tap your equity. Keep your mortgage. With a Home Equity Line of Credit.

If you've been eyeing that kitchen remodel, bathroom refresh, or backyard project for a while now, you're not alone. Americans spent over $500 billion on home renovation in 2025.* The question isn't whether to do it. It's how to pay for it.

Homeownership

Using a HELOC for Renovations: Our Top 5 Home Improvements

Got a big home remodel planned? Looking to add a new room for a new family member? Or maybe you just want to transform your familiar house into a happening happy place? Whatever your goals are, a home equity line of credit (HELOC) can help you get more done. By borrowing against the equity you’ve already built in your home, a HELOC gives you access to reliable funds at a low interest rate — much lower than a credit card! And with interest-only payment periods of up to 10 years, it’s easy to pay off your HELOC at your own pace.So what could you do with a HELOC? Here are some of the most common home improvements our members use their HELOC funds for. 1. Remodeling your kitchen or bathroom.From new granite countertops and stainless-steel appliances to rain showers and fresh tile, kitchen and bathroom renovations are by far the most popular. Not only can these remodels modernize your home and make it feel more, well, homey, but they also add incredible value to your home, should you ever choose to sell.2. Adding living space.Anticipating an addition to the family? Or maybe you just want to build a personal sanctuary? Whether it’s a finished basement, an attic loft, or a new bedroom, increasing the square footage of your home adds function, personality, and value. 3. Enhancing curb appeal.It’s not all about the interior: landscaping, new siding, fresh paint, or a new front door can turn heads all around the neighborhood — making your home a destination for dinner parties, lawn games, and barbeques.4. Improving energy efficiency. The best renovations pay for themselves. Upgrading to energy-efficient features like new windows, insulation, or solar panels can lower your utility bills and save you a ton of money in the long run.5. Building outdoor living spaces. A new deck, outdoor kitchen, or even a pool can add new dimensions to your home — and help you make the most of those warm weather months! Feeling inspired? Crunch the numbers and find out how much could you borrow with a HELOC using our handy calculator!

Homeownership

The Top 3 Ways to Use a HELOC in 2025

While many people immediately think of credit cards when it comes to borrowing money on an as-needed basis, a home equity line of credit (HELOC) is another, often-overlooked tool you can use to draw funds for countless purposes — at a lower interest rate than most credit cards.

Homeownership

More ways to make the most out of HELOC in 2022.

A home equity line of credit, or HELOC, has some unique advantages over loans. With ten years of interest-only revolving credit followed by a 15-year repayment period, it can be a great solution for some situations you may not have considered.

Homeownership

Right now we could all use a little support - home equity line of credit

At LMCU, not even social distancing will stop us from having your back. Our home equity line of credit, starts at just 3.00% APR.* Borrow and spend money just like a credit card. Use the extra cash for any immediate needs, or pay off high-interest debt to strengthen your financial stability for the days ahead.

Homeownership

Consolidate Debt or Renovate Your Home

Which option is right for you—Line of Credit or Fixed Loan? Home Equity Line of Credit (HELOC) Just like a credit card, you can buy the things you need now and pay off your balance over time— borrowing against the value of your home. As you repay your balance, the funds become available again.