Home Equity Loans and Lines of Credit - Forte Bank
Skip to main content

Home Equity Loans and Lines of Credit

Are you planning a home remodel, do you want to install a pool, or do you have college expenses to pay for? If so, a home equity loan or home equity line of credit (HELOC) may be the right solution for you.


Take advantage of our HELOC!

8.00% APR for 12 months followed by a variable APR equal to Prime (7.75% APR currently) plus 0.25%.

8.00% annual percentage rate (APR) in effect for 12 months. For the remaining term, the APR will be monthly variable and will be equal to the Prime Rate as published in the Wall Street Journal (7.75% currently) plus a margin of 0.25%. If the Prime Rate changes, your rate will change the first day of the next billing cycle. This rate will not vary above 18.00% APR (or applicable state law) or below 4.99% APR. Fees to open account range from $0 to $2500. $50 annual fee, waived for the first year. $200 fee if account is closed in the first three years unless due to sale of home. Property insurance required. Loans subject to credit approval.

Contact a lender to learn more! 


Ready to roll your variable rate HELOC into a fixed-rate product? Check out our Simplified Refi!

Tired of watching rates go up? Forte Bank's Simplified Refi allows you to convert your variable-rate HELOC to a fixed-rate home equity loan. Closing costs are capped at $399, and documentation requirements are minimal!

Offer only available to current Forte Bank HELOC customers. No cash out allowed except for closing costs. Application must be received before HELOC converts to permanent financing or within two months of HELOC converting to permanent financing. Maximum loan-to-value of 80%. Regular home equity loan rates apply.

Contact a lender to learn more! 


Put Your Home Equity to Use

  • Remodel your kitchen
  • Landscape your backyard
  • Install a pool
  • Complete home repairs
  • Pay for a child’s education expenses
  • Consolidate higher-interest rate loans
  • Pay for emergency or medical expenses
  • Buy a car

 

HELOC vs. Home Equity Loan

It can be confusing to understand the difference between a home equity loan and a line of credit. A home equity loan is a one-time lump sum that is paid off over a set period of time with a fixed interest rate and fixed monthly payments.

A home equity line of credit is a revolving line of credit that allows you to borrow as little or as much as you want up to your credit limit during the time limit set by the lender. You only pay interest on your line of credit when you withdraw money. As you repay the principal, your credit revolves and you can use it again. A home equity line of credit gives you more flexibility than a fixed-rate home equity loan, allowing you to use it over and over again. Unlike a home equity loan which has a fixed interest rate, a line of credit has a variable interest rate which fluctuates over the life of the loan.

Which One is Right for You?

In general, you will want to choose a home equity loan if you know exactly how much you need to borrow in a set amount of time. If your money needs are staggered and variable, a line of credit will give you more flexibility to borrow only what you need when you need it. You can also ask yourself these questions:

  • When do I need the money?
  • For how long do I need the money?
  • How long do I need to pay off the loan?
  • How big of a monthly payment can I afford?

Ask Your Lender

Our experienced lenders will talk with you personally to assess your individual situation, answer all of your questions and help you make the best choice. When you meet with us, you may want to ask us:

  • What is the term for the home equity loan?
  • What is the life span for the line of credit?
  • How much of a loan or line of credit do I qualify for?
  • Can I renew my line of credit when it expires?
  • What are the interest rates for both products?
  • Do I have to use my line of credit right away? (Is there a minimum withdrawal upon closing?)
  • Are there any circumstances under which the bank can freeze, reduce or demand full payment of my loan?
  • If my house is on the market, can I still apply?
Calculate the cost of a home equity loan or line of credit. Contact a lender to learn more.

Loan Inquiry