IN South Fayette Spring 2019 | Page 47

INDUSTRY INSIGHT BANKING SPONSORED CONTENT It’s Home Improvement Season! Are you planning to spruce up the place this spring? Maybe replacing that old siding or those cloudy windows, adding on a new deck, renovating the kitchen or bathroom, fixing the roof – the list could go on. Home equity loans are the most common financing option for home improvements. Whether you should choose a home equity term loan vs. a home equity line of credit will depend on how you need to finance your improvements. Lump Sum Payment If you hired a contractor to make your home improvements all at once, then more than likely you will need to make a lump sum payment. In this case, a home equity term loan would be your best option. You’ll have all of the funds you need upfront – plus a fixed rate and payment for the term of your loan. If the monthly payments are your concern, you can always extend the term of the loan. When looking for the best financing for your needs, the rate isn’t the only important factor. Look at the minimum loan amount, too. Sometimes a lower rate requires a larger minimum amount borrowed. So look for the loan that has the minimum loan amount you need. Another factor that could save you money is if the financial institution is offering a loan with no closing costs. Emily Kammenzind, Senior Loan Representative and Brian Turnwald, Office Manager. It’s never too late to start making improvements to your home. They can increase the value of your home and they are still tax deductible.* Would you like to know more about borrowing? Talk to our Lending Expert, Emily Kammenzind, Senior Loan Representative. Also, stop by to meet our new Office Manager, Brian Turnwald. Multiple Payments If you’re planning to do your home improvements in stages, a home equity line of credit would be a good option. It’s an open-ended loan that gives you the flexibility to borrow again and again without having to re-apply. Also, you only make payments when you borrow and only on the amount you use. Line of credit rates are variable and the rate a lender offers is generally based on two factors. The first is the Prime Rate – which is based on the rate the Fed Funds set. The second factor is dependent on the financial institution. Some will add a percentage on to the Prime Rate, meaning you’ll pay more. Some will set their rate a percentage below the Prime Rate, which means you’ll pay less in interest. * Consult your tax advisor regarding the deductibility of interest. South Fayette Office and Loan Center Newbury Gateway Shops 160 Millers Run Road, Bridgeville, PA 15017 Office: 412.257.2780 Loan Center: 412.257.2697 SOUTH FAYETTE ❘ SPRING 2019 45