Home Equity Line of Credit FAQs

Get answers about a Home EquityCHOICE® Line of Credit.

 

How much can I qualify for?

The maximum loan amount you may qualify for depends on a number of factors including the available equity in your home. This is determined by taking a percentage (for example 75% or 80%) of your home’s appraised value and subtracting the balances of any outstanding mortgage(s) on the property.

How does the application process work?

Complete an online application and click Submit; or,

  • Call 1-888-7-DAY-BANK for a friendly BankAtlantic Associate to assist you and/or answer any questions you may have -- 7 days a week
  • Stop by your local BankAtlantic branch; open 7 days a week, in most locations
  • Generally, a BankAtlantic Associate will contact you with a decision within one (1) business day of receiving your request.

 

If you are conditionally approved, and accept the terms for a Home EquityCHOICE® Line of Credit, a title search and flood certification will be ordered. At that time, BankAtlantic will ask you to provide proof of home insurance, including flood insurance if your property resides in a flood zone and wind insurance if applicable. Final approval may be subject to a property evaluation or appraisal, title search and income verification.

Schedule your closing to close your Home EquityCHOICE® Line of Credit at a BankAtlantic branch of your choice.


How quickly can I close?

Generally, you can close as quickly as ten (10) business days if you have provided all of the necessary documentation, such as proof of insurance and all closing conditions are met.

What are the tax benefits of having an equity line attached to my property?

In most cases, your interest payments may be tax deductible. Consult a tax advisor about the deductibility of interest. IRS Publication #936, “Home Mortgage Interest Deduction” provides more information.


Who changes the Prime Rate?

Interest rate is based on the Wall Street Journal Effective Prime Rate. When the Federal Reserve adjusts the Targeted Federal Funds Rate, the Wall Street Journal Prime Rate usually adjusts and is published accordingly.


Does filling out this certificate or applying online obligate me to complete a Home Equity loan with BankAtlantic?

No. Even after you have signed your loan documents, Federal Regulations allow you up to three (3) Business days after your closing to think it over and change your mind.

What is the minimum amount I can borrow for a home equity line of credit?

The minimum amount on a BankAtlantic HomeEquityCHOICE® Line of Credit is $10,000.

What can I use a home equity loan or line of credit for?

Just about anything. Consolidate bills, refinance a car loan, make home improvements, pay for college expenses and make wedding plans...or even pay off your current mortgage to refinance at a better rate.

What do I need to apply?

  • Personal information for each borrower
  • Employment income and income from other sources
  • Purchase date and price of your home
  • Outstanding balance on your current mortgage(s) and monthly payment
  • Estimated market value of your home
  • The amount you would like to borrow
  • Government-issued photo ID (Driver's license, U.S. passport or state-issued ID)
  • Previous address, if at current address less than two years
  • Previous employer, if with current employer less than two years
  • Your annual income and any other income to be considered

What is the difference between a Home EquityCHOICE® Line of Credit (HELOC) vs. Home Equity Loan?

 Home EquityCHOICE® Line of CreditHome EquityCHOICE® Loan
TypeA flexible line of credit against the equity in your home that you can draw on as the need arisesInstallment loan with a fixed term. Borrow a certain amount for a specific period of time. Your payments are fixed, so you will know what your payment will be every month.
Interest RateVariable Rate, based on Wall Street Journal Effective Prime RateFixed rate installment loan creates predictable monthly payments
Monthly PaymentVariable, based on outstanding balanceFixed principal and interest payments over a fixed period of time
Access to FundsAs needed, by check or online transferReceive all funds in one lump sum
Maximum Loan-to-Value80% of home value80% of home value
Works Best ForThis option is ideal if you have both a current need to borrow funds and would like the flexibility of a line of credit for future uses.This option is best for customers who want to know exactly what their monthly obligation is and have current borrowing needs but do not foresee future ones.

 

 




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