Put Your Home's Equity to Work
With each payment you make on your mortgage each month, you build equity in your home. That equity serves as a valuable financial tool that allows you financial flexibility to do anything from paying for repairs to your home to consolidating debt. First National Bank of St. Ignace offers two home equity lending solutions - Home Equity Loans and Home Equity Lines of Credit. Each of these options has their own benefits and our lenders are ready to take you through the application process. Contact our lending team to go over your options.
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Home Equity Loans vs. HELOCs - Which is Right for You?
Home Equity Loans
A home equity loan allows you to borrow a lump sum of money using the equity you've built in your home as collateral. You receive the full loan amount upfront and repay it through fixed monthly payments over a set term.
Best For
- Homeowners who know exactly how much they need to borrow
- Borrowers who prefer predictable monthly payments
- Projects or expenses with a defined cost
How It Works
- Receive the full loan amount at closing
- Make regular monthly payments over a set repayment term
- Payments typically remain consistent throughout the life of the loan
- The loan balance decreases as payments are made
Ideal Uses
- Major home renovations
- Debt consolidation
- Large one-time purchases
- Education expenses
- Vehicle purchases
Home Equity Lines of Credit
A Home Equity Line of Credit (HELOC) is a revolving line of credit secured by your home's equity. Rather than receiving one lump sum, you can access funds as needed up to your approved credit limit.
Best For
- Homeowners who need ongoing access to funds
- Borrowers with projects that will occur over time
- Those who value flexibility in how and when they borrow
How It Works
- Borrow only the amount you need, when you need it
- Interest is charged only on the amount you've drawn, not the entire credit limit
- Available credit replenishes as you repay the balance
- Funds can be accessed repeatedly during the draw period
- Interest rates may fluctuate over time
Ideal Uses
- Ongoing home improvement projects
- Emergency expenses
- Tuition payments spread over multiple years
- Seasonal expenses
- Unexpected opportunities or major life events
All loans are subject to credit approval and applicable underwriting requirements. Terms, rates, and loan amounts may vary based on borrower qualifications and financing needs.
Home Equity Lending FAQs
What is the difference between a Home Equity Loan and a HELOC?
A Home Equity Loan provides a lump sum of money with fixed repayment terms, while a Home Equity Line of Credit (HELOC) gives you access to a revolving credit line that you can draw from as needed. A Home Equity Loan is typically best for one-time expenses, while a HELOC offers ongoing flexibility for projects and expenses that occur over time.
How much can I borrow with a Home Equity Loan or HELOC?
The amount you may be eligible to borrow depends on several factors, including your home's value, the amount you still owe on your mortgage, your income, credit history, and other financial considerations. Our lending team can help determine the options available to you.
What can I use a Home Equity Loan or HELOC for?
Homeowners commonly use home equity financing for home improvements, debt consolidation, education expenses, major purchases, emergency expenses, and other personal financial goals. Funds can often be used for nearly any purpose, subject to loan terms and approval requirements.
Do I pay interest on the entire HELOC amount?
No. With a HELOC, interest is generally charged only on the amount you have borrowed, not on the total credit limit available to you. As you repay the balance, those funds typically become available to use again during the draw period.
Is a Home Equity Loan or HELOC better for home improvements?
It depends on the project. A Home Equity Loan may be a good fit when you know the total cost upfront, such as a kitchen remodel or roof replacement. A HELOC can be beneficial when project costs will occur over time, allowing you to borrow only what you need when you need it.
Can I qualify for a Home Equity Loan or HELOC if I already have a mortgage?
Yes. Many homeowners use the equity they've built in their homes while continuing to make payments on their existing mortgage. Eligibility is based on factors such as available home equity, income, creditworthiness, and overall financial profile.
Meet Our Lenders
Bob Brandstrom
VP, Chief Lending Officer
NMLS: #691130
Division: Loans
Location: Main Office
Phone: (906) 643-6800
Robert Richardson
VP, Senior Loan Officer
NMLS: #671819
Division: Loans
Location: Main Office
Phone: (906) 643-6800
JoJo Visnaw
AVP, Lending Officer
NMLS: #27228362
Division: Loans
Location: Main Office
Phone: (906) 643-6800
Debra Brandstrom
VP, Consumer Lending Officer
NMLS: #404993
Division: Loans
Location: Cedarville
Phone: (906) 484-2262
Angie Harris
AVP, Branch Manager, Lender
NMLS: #1843279
Division: Loans
Locations: Naubinway, Newberry
Phone: (906) 293-5160

Invested in Our Community.
At First National Bank of St. Ignace, we're invested in the success of our community. From everyday banking to financing life's big moments, we're here with the personalized service and support you deserve. Contact us today to get started.
Contact Our Team