Home Equity
Your home has been building value. Now it’s time to put that equity to work for you. Let Valley First help you leverage the equity in your home to fund a major renovation, paying for education expenses, consolidating high-interest debt or covering unexpected expenses.
Flexible Access to Funds
Tap into your home equity whenever you need it, with the flexibility to use funds for various purposes.
Competitive Rates
Benefit from competitive interest rates, helping you save on borrowing costs.
Potential Tax Benefits
Consult with your tax advisor about potential tax advantages related to interest payments.
Easy Application Process
Our streamlined application process makes it convenient to apply and get approval for your home equity solution.
Fixed and Variable Rate Loan Products
Fixed-rate installment loan or Variable-rate line of credit
Put Your Home’s Equity to Work
Looking to fund a renovation, cover tuition, or consolidate debt? A Valley First HELOC gives you the financial flexibility you need—with a low introductory rate of 5.49% APR3 fixed for the first 12 months, followed by a competitive variable rate as low as 7.00% APR thereafter.
Home Equity Line of Credit (HELOC)
A HELOC gives you flexible access to funds as you need them with a revolving credit line, letting you borrow and repay on your own schedule – making it the perfect solution for ongoing projects or unexpected expenses.
Why people love HELOCs:
- Save money on interest – You'll typically pay much lower rates than credit cards or personal loans since your home backs the loan
- Pay only for what you use – You're only charged interest on the amount you actually borrow, not your entire available credit line
- Potential tax savings – The interest you pay might be tax-deductible when you use the funds for home improvements
- Access funds when you need them – You can borrow, pay back, and borrow again during the draw period, giving you financial flexibility
- Easier approval process – You're more likely to qualify since your home equity provides security for the lender
Ideal for:
- Homeowners making renovations or improvements that increase property value
- People who want to consolidate high-interest debt like credit cards into one lower-rate payment
- Covering major expenses like college tuition, medical bills or unexpected life events
- Anyone needing funds to start a business
Home Equity Loan (HELOAN)
A Home Equity Loan gives you a one-time lump sum of cash at a fixed interest rate, with predictable monthly payments – making it a smart, stable way to fund major expenses.
Why people love HELOANs:
- Fixed Rate Stability - Your rate and payments stay the same for the life of the loan, making budgeting easy.
- Flexible loan terms - Choose a repayment term that fits the borrower’s financial goals
- Lump Sum Access - Receive the full loan amount upfront – ideal for large, one-time expenses like home improvements, debt consolidation, medical costs, or education.
- Lower Rates Than Credit Cards or Personal Loans - Because the loan is secured by your home, you usually get a lower rate than unsecured financing options.
- Predictable Repayment Schedule - Know exactly what you owe each month and when the loan will be paid off.
Ideal For:
- Homeowners who know exactly how much they need to borrow
- People who prefer consistent monthly payments
- Anyone looking to lock in a low, fixed rate for a large purchase or project
Have Questions?
We're here to help! Contact us to speak with our Home Equity experts who can provide personalized assistance and guidance.
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What is a HELOC?
A Home Equity Line of Credit (HELOC) is a revolving line of credit secured by the equity in your home. It allows you to borrow against the value of your home for various purposes, with the flexibility to access funds as needed. You only pay interest on the amount you borrow.
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What's a HELOAN?
This is a fixed-rate, closed-end loan that provides funds in a single lump sum disbursement. The loan offers flexible repayment terms ranging from 5 to 15 years, with interest rates determined through risk-based pricing. Borrowers make consistent monthly payments throughout the loan term and can pay off the loan early without any prepayment penalties.
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What's the Difference Between a HELOC and a HELOAN?
Both home equity products are secured by the home’s equity.
A HELOC is a revolving line of credit that allows borrowing as needed. Members can borrow as needed during the 10-year draw period, providing ongoing financial flexibility. It’s best for ongoing or unpredictable expenses such as home upgrades, emergency funds, or medical costs. The line of credit features a variable-rate based on the Prime Rate. Monthly interest-only payments are made after drawing against the line of credit. The repayment period is 15 years.
A HELOAN is a fixed-rate closed-end loan disbursed in a lump sum. Members receive the full amount upfront in a lump sum with structured repayment terms. It’s a cost-effective alternative to personal loans or credit cards. Perfect for planned, one-time expenses like a major home renovation, debt consolidation, or tuition. Fixed monthly payments are made after the loan funds, with a repayment period that ranges from 5 to 15 years.
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How much can I borrow?
The amount you can borrow is determined by various factors, including loan approval, income, credit history, and property value. Valley First can provide up to 80% of your owner-occupied home’s appraised value, which includes your existing mortgage as well as the new HELOC or HELOAN amount.
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Is a HELOC tax deductible?
In certain cases, your HELOC interest may be tax deductible. We recommend consulting your tax advisor for details.
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Are there limits to access my HELOC funds?
Drawing from your HELOC credit line is simple. You can make a HELOC transaction in your account, at our branch locations as well as over the phone at our call center.
Ready to unlock your home’s potential?
Get a free quote in minutes and see how much you could access. No commitment — just making your dreams come true possibilities.
HELOC & HELOAN Eligibility Requirements
Minimum loan amount is $25,000, maximum of $1,500,000.
To get a Home Equity Line of Credit or Loan, you must be a member of Valley First Credit Union.
Subject property must be in California, under 10 acres and non-income producing.
The applicant must have owned the home for at least 6 months.
Any owner listed on the deed will be required to be on the home equity loan.
We cannot fund the home equity on a trust account with the Credit Union. If the property is in a trust, we can lend against the property, but the loan must close on a “regular member” account.
We will only allow one owner-occupied property and one additional non-owner-occupied property per borrower (total of 2 properties per borrower maximum)
All property taxes and supplemental taxes must be current. Property insurance is required.
Valid form of identification for notary signing.
Loan Protection Gives You Peace of Mind
Your financial well-being is at the heart of what we do, and our loan protection products are a reliable backup to ensure that, in challenging times, your loan obligations don’t add to your worries. Find the assurance you need to face life’s unpredictability, knowing we’re here to support you.
Debt Protection
Help protect your loan payments against life’s unexpected events such as death, disability, or involuntary unemployment with Debt Protection.2
Ask to add Debt Protection at any
Valley First branch.
1 All loans are subject to credit approval. Rates effective as of 10.01.2026. Rates, terms, and conditions are subject to change without notice. The minimum APR is 7.00%. The maximum APR is 18.00%. The APR is variable, based on an index and margin. Variable rate is based on the highest Prime Rate as published in the Money Rates Section of The Wall Street Journal (the "index"), plus 0.00% to 2.25% depending on the best of two Vantage scores for joint and co-signer applications and occupancy (the "margin"). You may pay fees ranging from $300 to $1500 to third parties to open a line of credit. Appraisal fee and Title fee may be required. A complete list of fees is disclosed in the Credit Line Account Home Equity Secured Open-End Credit Agreement and Truth-In-Lending Disclosure. Qualifications may vary based on creditworthiness and meeting underwriting guidelines and qualifications. Certain restrictions and limitations apply. Property insurance is required. Flood insurance may apply. Minimum loan amount is $25,000. Maximum loan amount is $1,500,000. The maximum term is 25 years, which includes a 10-year draw period and a 15-year repayment term. Primary Residence: 80% Maximum Combined Loan-To-Value (CLTV). Investment Property: 70% Maximum Combined Loan-To-Value (CLTV).
Membership requirements apply: Membership requires a savings account opened with an initial $25.00 deposit plus a $5.00 one-time membership fee, for a total of $30.00. New accounts subject to ChexSystems. Other restrictions may apply.
2 Restrictions Apply. The purchase of this product is optional and will not affect your application for credit. The information provided here is not a contract. It is a general summary of product benefits, and its contents are limited due to size. Debt Protection coverage is administered by CUNA Mutual Group. This product is not insured by the National Credit Union Administration.
3 APR = Annual Percentage Rate. APR = Annual Percentage Rate. Introductory APR of 5.49% is fixed for the first 12 months from funding date. After 12 months, the APR becomes variable and is based on the Wall Street Journal Prime Rate plus a margin of 0.00% to 2.25%, depending on creditworthiness. Current minimum variable APR is 7.00%; maximum is 18.00%. Effective as of 10.01.2026.
4 Loan amounts from $25,000 to $1.5M. Third-party fees (including title and appraisal fees) may apply and typically range from $300 to $2,500. Maximum CLTV is 80% for primary residences and 70% for investment properties.