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Home equity is one of the most valuable resources you have as a homeowner. If you’ve decided to take advantage of your equity and open a home equity line of credit (HELOC), there are a few steps you should follow in the application process. This includes submitting documents like proof of income, employment verification, property information, and more.

The benefits of using home equity extend far beyond simple home improvements. You can use home equity to pay for school tuition, fund a family vacation, or start your own business. Many also use home equity funds to consolidate bills. But are there drawbacks that outweigh the benefits of consolidating debt with home equity?

As mortgage rates rise and fall over time, you may be wondering how you can take advantage of the market as a homeowner. You probably hear the term "mortgage refinancing" brought up often, especially when rates are lower than they typically would be. But what exactly is mortgage refinancing, and how do I know if I'm a good candidate?

When using a home equity loan or home equity line of credit for home improvements, you may be able to make the most of tax deductions that come from the interest of these funds.

Learn about Home Equity Lines of Credit, including what they are, if you would be a good candidate to apply for one, and the pros and cons of a HELOC.

Read about the best times of year to make certain purchases, like the best time to buy a home, car, mattress, furniture, and more.

Whether you’re just getting started or fine-tuning your plan, American Heritage Credit Union is here to help you stay one step ahead when preparing for emergencies and natural disasters. Learn what resources are available to help you prepare for the unexpected.

Living in a small space doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice style, comfort, or functionality. Explore some creative and practical hacks to help you maximize the space you have.

Many homebuying programs are tailored for first-time homebuyers. These programs are typically comprehensive and will cover the entire homebuying process, from your start of looking at homes to receiving your keys. Learn how you can take advantage of these programs as a first-time homebuyer!

Whether you're planning to buy your first home or looking to relocate, now is a great time to start preparing for homebuying season. Follow these strategies to reduce stress and increase your chances of a successful home purchase this season.

Buying your first home may seem like an overwhelming process at first. But if you follow the right tips and strategies, you'll be prepared to make the leap from renting to owning your first home with ease.

There are several steps before you purchase a home or buy your next vehicle. One of the first steps in these processes is to be preapproved for a loan. While a preapproval may seem unnecessary at first, the truth is that it’s a critical step in the loan process which can help make your end goal of buying a home or finding your next car easier.

Let’s be honest, home improvement projects can feel overwhelming. Between work, family, and that ever-growing to-do list, it’s easy to put them off for another day. But consider this: Tackling a few key projects now can save you a lot of trouble (and money) down the road. Here’s a quick rundown of some home maintenance tasks that shouldn’t be ignored.

Buying a home is a big step, both emotionally and financially. Naturally, you want the most accurate information to guide you through this process. However, a surprising amount of misinformation is out there, sometimes unintentionally passed along. Let’s clear up some common misconceptions to help you navigate the complexities of buying a home.

Without the right support and preparation, buying a home can feel a lot like putting together a puzzle with only half of the pieces: time-consuming and frustrating. From house-hunting to closing, the homebuying process takes 4 to 6 months on average and involves multiple moving parts, so it’s no surprise that many homebuyers find it overwhelming. If you want to simplify and streamline your experience, you can take steps to better prepare and set yourself up for a smooth road to homeownership.

If you’ve checked out rental listings lately, you know that rents are going up, up, up. Demand for apartments has surged, making many markets super competitive. Finding a place to call home at a reasonable price can be challenging. The burning question is: how much of your income should go toward a rent budget?

You just purchased your new home—now what? Before you make the big move, there are important safety, maintenance, and convenience steps to take leading up to and right after making yourself at home.

Life is unpredictable. An emergency, unexpected illness, or a bout of forgetfulness can all end in a missed loan payment. While missing a single payment may come with unwanted consequences like fees or penalties, it will not result in financial ruin. Stay calm and keep reading to learn what happens if you miss a loan payment.

Buying a home is an exciting step that requires making many decisions, like picking the right mortgage to fit your financial goals and current situation. One option to think about is an adjustable-rate mortgage (ARM). ARMs have their advantages and disadvantages, so think carefully before deciding on a home loan.

This could be the right time for you to refinance your home loan. You’ve had the same mortgage for several years now, and you’ve built up home equity. What will happen when you refinance? How do you get this process started, and what does it include? Here’s what you need to know about the process of refinancing your home loan.