Can I check my HELOC rate without affecting my credit?

Yes—checking your personalized HELOC rate with us uses a soft credit pull, which means no impact on your score and no obligation to move forward. If you decide to continue and submit a full application, we will request your full credit report from one or more consumer reporting agencies, which is considered a hard credit pull and may affect your credit. It’s a simple, risk-free way to explore your options and see what rate you may qualify for before taking the next step.

What’s the difference between a HELOC and a personal loan?

A HELOC is a line of credit that uses your house as collateral. That's why interest rates are typically higher for personal loans than a HELOC. With a HELOC, you'd be approved for an amount that is based on your financial qualifications and home's value. Personal loans aren't secured by your home, so approval is based on your credit alone.

Will this affect my current mortgage rate?

Not at all. Your HELOC is separate—your rate stays put.

Do I need an appraisal or in-person meeting?

Only draws over $400,000 require an appraisal.

What’s CLTV?

Stands for Combined Loan-to-Value—a quick way to measure how much of your home’s value you’re already using. Think of it as your equity ratio. For example, if your mortgage is $200,000, your home’s worth $400,000, and you’re adding a $50,000 HELOC, your CLTV would be 62.5%. The lower your CLTV, the more equity you still have to put to work for you.

What does DTI mean—and why does it matter?

DTI stands for debt-to-income ratio. It compares how much you owe each month (including your mortgage) to how much you earn. A lower DTI means you have more financial flexibility—and lenders typically prefer to see it below 50%. Think of it as a quick snapshot of your financial leverage: the lower your DTI, the stronger your finances.

What’s the difference between a soft and hard credit check?

A soft credit pull, which means no impact on your score and no obligation to move forward. If you decide to continue and submit a full application, we will request your full credit report from one or more consumer reporting agencies, which is considered a hard credit pull and may affect your credit.

Do I need to have insurance coverage?

Yes. We require hazard insurance for all properties and flood insurance for any property located in a flood zone A or V. After your loan closes, you may be asked to provide proof of insurance to keep your account in good standing. It’s a simple way to protect both your home and your financial leverage.

Do I need an appraisal for a home equity line of credit?

No—we don’t require a traditional appraisal for a HELOC. Instead, we use Automated Valuation Models (AVMs) to estimate your home’s value. AVMs deliver a fast, data-backed assessment of your property’s market value—without the wait, scheduling, or cost of a physical appraisal. It’s one of the ways we keep your process simple, accurate, and fast—so you can access your funds in days, not weeks. The only exception is if your HELOC is over $400k, then we will require an appraisal.

Can I check my HELOC rate without affecting my credit?

Yes—checking your personalized HELOC rate with us uses a soft credit pull, which means no impact on your score and no obligation to move forward. If you decide to continue and submit a full application, we’ll then request your complete credit report—known as a hard credit pull—which may cause a small, temporary change to your score. It’s a simple, risk-free way to explore your options and see what rate you qualify for before taking the next step.

Can I get a loan on my paid-off home?

Yes—if your home is fully paid off, you can still qualify for a Home Equity Line of Credit (HELOC). With no existing mortgage, your home’s equity is 100% yours to leverage. We offer both first-lien and second-lien HELOCs, giving you the flexibility to access funds on your terms. It’s a smart way to put your equity to work—whether you’re consolidating debt, renovating, or building a financial cushion for future goals.

I just refinanced my property. How long should I wait before applying for a HELOC?

We recommend waiting at least 45 days after your refinance documents have been officially recorded with your county before applying for a Home Equity Line of Credit (HELOC). This short waiting period ensures that your updated lien information appears correctly on both your credit profile and our property data systems—allowing us to deliver the most accurate offer possible. It’s a quick pause that helps keep your financing smooth, transparent, and fully aligned with your property records.

Do you lend to investment properties and second homes?

Yes—we lend on primary residences, second, or vacation homes, as well as investment properties. For investment properties, a minimum credit score of 680 is required. Whether you want to maximize your portfolio’s potential or tap into the equity in a vacation home, we make it simple to leverage your property with flexible terms and fast funding.

I just bought my home. When can I apply for a Home Equity Line of Credit?

You can apply for a HELOC 90 days after your home purchase has officially been recorded. This short waiting period allows time for your ownership to be fully processed in public records, ensuring your information is complete and accurate before we calculate your offer. It’s a simple step that keeps your application smooth, verified, and ready for fast approval.

How secure is my personal information?

Your privacy and security are our top priorities. We use bank-level encryption, multi-layer authentication, and continuous system monitoring to protect your personal and financial information. Your data is never sold or shared without your consent, and every connection to us is fully encrypted, end to end. It’s protection designed to give you confidence—so you can focus on your goals, not your data.