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HELOC: Benefits and Financial Flexibility for Homeowners

“Expect the unexpected” could be the mantra of any homeowner. From a leaky roof to a blown water heater to a crack in the foundation, owning a home can come with a host of potential projects and pitfalls. On the flip side, many homeowners check one home improvement project off the list only to get the itch to start the next one. And, over the years of home ownership, many people find themselves in a position of wanting or needed to borrow against the equity in what is typically their most valuable asset.

Illustration of a home being repainted and repaired to show the benefits of a Home Equity Line of Credit.No matter if the need to access funds is for fun or out of necessity, a home equity line of credit (HELOC) is one of the most common and easiest ways to convert your home’s value into cash. By establishing a HELOC now, you’re prepared and ready to leverage your equity.

In fact, many customers have told us that their financial stress level is lower because they know they have an immediate source of money to access immediately when a need arises. By opening a home equity line of credit today, you can breathe a sigh of relief knowing you can meet your financial needs or wants – whether planned or unexpected.

Here are five factors to consider about opening a HELOC today: 

  1. Home values are favorable. In many communities, the value of homes increased significantly the past several years. Depending on how much you owe on your mortgage, you may have more equity to tap into than you might think.
Calculator IconUse this calculator to determine the HELOC amount you may qualify to receive.
  1. A HELOC can function like a savings account. In essence, a HELOC serves as a rainy day fund, available at your fingertips for emergencies or surprise expenses – which offers you an increased sense of security and peace of mind.
  2. Funds are right at your fingertips. Just like your North Shore Bank checking or savings accounts, funds are immediately available when you need them. Your money gets where you need it to be with just a couple of clicks or a quick phone call.
  3. Interest rates on HELOCs may be lower than other financial options. If you carry balances on credit cards from month to month, consolidating that debt into a HELOC can lessen the amount of interest you pay, help pay off debts faster and keep more cash in your pocket.
Interest Rates IconCheck the current HELOC interest rates.
  1. Dream big with the freedom and flexibility offered by a HELOC. A line of credit doesn’t have to be only for unexpected purchases. It can be used to make improvements to increase the value of your home, to finance college for your children, to cover your bucket list vacation or anything else you choose. In short, a HELOC can offer a source of funds to attain your dreams.

Life is busy. Home ownership is a big commitment. A HELOC can help you get the best out of both. Get in touch today so we can tell you more about how a North Shore Bank HELOC can benefit you and your family. Our team members are always happy to discuss your individual needs and goals and answer your questions by telephone, email or at any branch office.

FAQs

To start using Zelle® at North Shore Bank, you must be enrolled in Online Bill Pay. If you are not already enrolled in Online Bill Pay, you can enroll by logging in to the Mobile App or Online Banking (web-based). Locate the Online Bill Pay tab and follow the instructions to complete the Online Bill Pay enrollment steps. 

Already enrolled in Online Bill Pay? Follow these steps to start using Zelle®:
  1. Log in to the Mobile AppFootnote 1 or Online Banking (web-based)
  2. Select "Send Money with Zelle®"
  3. Accept Terms and Conditions
  4. Select your U.S. mobile number or email address and deposit account

1 Mobile network carrier fees may apply.
Zelle® and the Zelle® related marks are wholly owned by Early Warning Services, LLC and are used herein under license.

Bill Discovery will automatically connect you with your eligible bills by searching the biller database and if you consent, your credit bureau data. Once the bills are located, you can add them to your list of bills in one click. Bill Discovery greatly reduces the time it takes to set up Bill Pay and reduces the chance of manual input errors.

Bill Discovery will continually search for new bills and alert you if new bills have been found.

Bill Discovery is available in both Online Banking and the Mobile App.

The following are screenshots of how you can set up and use this feature.

You first must consent to have your bills be found through the biller database and your credit bureau data. If you wish to have your credit data used, it is a soft inquiry and your credit score will not be impacted.

 

Once you provide consent and click Find My Bills, you will be presented with a page of potential payees.

 

If biller(s) require additional verification upon selecting the biller, you will be provided with the additional verification fields.  If the biller does not require any verification then you can add those directly by clicking the Add button.

 

If you are not yet using Bill Discovery, you may see the following banner ad to begin using the feature.

 

After initial entry into Bill Discovery, new billers found among billers from the biller network or in your credit report will appear in the top, right area of your window.  When clicking “Get My Bills”, you will be walked through the process of adding your bills in the same manner as the initial setup.

 

Yes, you can easily schedule an appointment at any of our offices or with one of our Mortgage Loan Officers through our online scheduling tool.

My Card Manager shows the most recent 50 debit card transactions posted within the last 30 days. Additional history can be viewed within the Accounts menu.

Sometimes a merchant will pre-authorize the card for an amount that may be more than the spend limit you allow on the card. In this case, your card will be denied.