07/24/2026
What is a HELOC, and how does it work?
A Home Equity Line of Credit, or HELOC, is a revolving credit line secured by the equity in your home. Think of it like a credit card -- but backed by your house.
A HELOC has two phases. The draw period, typically five to ten years, is when you can borrow against your available credit line, make interest-only payments, and repay and re-borrow as needed. After the draw period ends, the repayment period begins, during which the balance is paid down over a set term, often ten to twenty years.
HELOC interest rates are usually variable, meaning they adjust with the prime rate. When rates rise, your HELOC payments can increase -- an important consideration for budgeting.
Most lenders allow combined loan-to-value ratios (CLTV) of 85% to 90% for HELOCs, meaning your first mortgage plus your HELOC cannot exceed that percentage of your home's value.
HELOCs are ideal for ongoing projects, home improvements, emergency reserves, or any situation where you need flexible, repeatable access to funds.
For my real estate agent partners: every week, I personally call and follow up with every active pre-qualification in my pipeline. This keeps buyers moving, motivated, and on track -- and any referrals generated during that process come back to you.
Ready to explore your options? Reach out today for a free, no-obligation pre-qualification.
Nick Nicholas | NMLS #658973 | Licensed in GA, FL, AL, TX