Home Equity FAQs

What’s home equity?

Home equity is the difference between how much you owe on your mortgage and how much your home is worth. You can build equity as you pay down your loan balance and as the market value of your home increases. Navy Federal has home equity loan options that could help you to use your home’s equity to help you pay for life’s big expenses.

How do I build home equity?

In an ideal situation, the equity in your home will go up every year as home values rise and your loan principal decreases with your monthly payments.

Here is an example of how you gain equity in a home:

• You make a $20,000 down payment and take out a $180,000 mortgage to purchase a home that has a sale price of $200,000.
• In five years, you pay $13,000 toward the mortgage. You now owe $167,000 on the loan.
• During this same time, your home value has increased to $230,000.
• To calculate your home’s equity, subtract your current loan principal of $167,000 from the home’s current value of $230,000.
• You have $63,000 in home equity.

How do I determine my home’s market value?

If you don’t have a recent appraisal, you can estimate your home’s market value by researching recent sale prices of similar homes in your neighborhood. A local real estate agent can assist you with this process. You can also get a general idea of your home’s value by reviewing your tax statements for the assessed value of your home. A current home valuation, including clear pictures of the outside of your home, is required to determine how much equity you can borrow. When you apply for an equity loan/line of credit, your Processor will determine the type of home valuation or appraisal needed based on the details of your loan and can schedule it for you.

What’s the difference between a Fixed-Rate Equity Loan and a Home Equity Line of Credit (HELOC)?

With a Fixed-Rate Equity Loan, you receive the money you’re borrowing in a single payment, and the interest rate stays the same for the life of the loan. With a HELOC, you have the ability to borrow money whenever you need it up to your maximum credit limit. Unlike Fixed-Rate Equity Loans, HELOCs have variable interest rates.

What repayment terms are available on a Fixed-Rate Equity Loan?

Navy Federal offers Fixed-Rate Equity Loans with 5-, 10-, 15- and 20-year repayment terms.^{Footnote 1}

How does a HELOC work?

A HELOC is a line of credit secured by your home. As with a credit card, you can borrow as needed up to an approved credit limit. A HELOC’s term includes a draw period, followed by a repayment period. At Navy Federal, you can draw (or borrow) money for 20 years. Interest will accrue only when you use your line of credit. Any remaining balance will be paid in full during the 20-year repayment period.

How often can the Annual Percentage Rate (APR) change on a HELOC?

The APR on a HELOC can change monthly. It’s a variable rate that may increase or decrease based on changes in the prime rate. The prime rate is updated according to the published rate in The Wall Street Journal on the first work day of every month. At Navy Federal, the minimum APR (or Lifetime Floor rate) for HELOCs is 3.99%. The maximum APR is 18%.^{Footnote 2}

Can I make additional principal payments on a HELOC?

Yes. You can make additional principal payments once your current monthly payment has been satisfied. You can make a manual payment (prior to your new statement release on approximately the fifth day of each month) online, by calling us at 1-888-842-6328 or by visiting a branch. You can also request automatic payments to include principal from your Navy Federal checking or savings account.

Can I convert my HELOC to a Fixed-Rate Equity Loan?

If your Navy Federal HELOC is older than 6 months, it can be converted to a Fixed-Rate Equity Loan in accordance with the terms of your loan. Please refer to your loan closing package for additional conditions. Conversion will prevent you from making any additional draws. If you have questions about converting a HELOC, call us at 1-888-842-6328.

What information will I need to apply for a home equity loan or line of credit?

Our How to Apply page outlines the necessary information needed to apply. Review this page before submitting your application. Once your application is received, have these documents on hand in case your Processor requests them:

• 2 most recent paystubs
• Retirement statements (e.g., Social Security Awards letter)
• Proof of homeowners insurance
• Trust documents (if applicable)

Additional documentation may be required if you’re self-employed.

How long does it take to get a home equity loan/line of credit?

Processing times are currently estimated to take 45 to 55 calendar days to close on a new home equity loan or home equity line of credit (HELOC) once we receive your application. Processing times may vary if an appraisal or additional documentation is needed.  Visit our How to Apply page for a step-by-step guide to help you close on your home equity loan.

How soon will I get my money once the home equity loan or line of credit closes?

If the property used to secure your equity loan or line of credit is your primary residence, there’s a 3-business-day waiting period after closing (you can change your mind and cancel your loan during this time). Your funds or line of credit will be available after the 3-day period ends. The 3-day waiting period doesn’t apply for investment properties and second homes.

Do I have to pay closing costs on a home equity loan or HELOC?

We don't charge closing costs when you take out a Fixed-Rate Equity Loan or Home Equity Line of Credit (HELOC) with us!^{Footnote 1 Footnote 2}

I recently applied for a home equity loan/line of credit. How do I access my loan documents online?

If you opted to receive your loan documents electronically at the time of application, you can access them safely and securely from any computer with internet access. The documents will be available within 3 business days of submitting your application. Each applicant must review and sign the documents.

If you're enrolled in Navy Federal’s Online Banking, sign in to your Navy Federal online account. In the “Loans & Credit” section on the “Account Summary” page, click on “Review and Sign Documents” for your equity application.

If you're not enrolled in Navy Federal’s Online Banking, check your email for instructions from Navy Federal. If you don't receive an email within 3 business days of submitting your application, check your spam/junk folder or call your Processor. If you have questions, call the Equity Loan Department at 1-877-573-2324 and press 2, weekdays from 8 am to 6 pm, Eastern Time. For assistance outside normal business hours, call 1-888-842-6328.

Which browser should I use for eClosing on my loan?

Any browser should work; however, some of our members have had problems with Microsoft Edge during eClosing. If that's the case, we recommend switching to Chrome.

Can I use my cell phone to eSign my closing documents?

Yes, but you may need to copy the link from the email you receive and paste it into a web browser in order to get to HomeSquad. If you're the primary borrower, the link will take you to online banking, and you can access HomeSquad from there. If you're not the primary borrower but are listed on the title, the link will take you directly to HomeSquad. That's where the documents you'll be signing are located. A laptop or desktop computer are often easier to use.

Will I meet with anyone in person during closing?

If you opt for a RON eClosing, you won't meet with anyone in person. You'll sign all your documents electronically on closing day with the virtual eNotary.

If you choose a Hybrid eClosing, you'll meet with the Notary in person on closing day to sign documents that require notarization. 

If my co-borrower doesn't have internet access, can they participate in the RON or Hybrid eClosing?

They'll need internet access to be able to participate in the RON or Hybrid eClosing if they're a signer on the loan.

If they won't have internet access on closing day, then the closing should proceed with a traditional in-person signing for all documents.

What if I lose internet access on closing day while signing documents electronically?

With a RON eClosing, if you lose internet access while signing electronically, we can reschedule your RON appointment for later in the day when you recover internet access.

If recovering internet access isn't possible, we'll reschedule your closing for an in-person appointment to sign your documents in ink.

With a Hybrid eClosing, if you lose internet access, we'll convert the closing to in-person and you'll sign all documents during your in-person appointment with the Notary.

My co-borrower is able to sign in and eSign the closing documents, but I'm not able to. What should I do?

Are you using the same email address? If so, give a separate email address to your loan officer. The closer will resend the documents to the separate address and you'll receive an email with a new link for you to access the eClosing documents.

Are you using the same device as your co-borrower? If so, try accessing the link from a separate device.

If these options don't solve the problem, contact your closer for help.

Why am I getting an error message when trying to sign in for my RON eClosing appointment?

If you're using a Virtual Private Network (VPN), ad-blocking software or have firewall protection, you might have trouble using the Proof platform. Try disabling your VPN, ad-blocking software or firewall to see if you can connect.

If you're using an Apple domain such as @me.com or @mac.com, you may be blocked. Doublecheck your email domain and try again. If you still can't sign in, contact support@proof.com or call 888-483-4330 for help.

How can I get copies of my RON eClosing documents?

After your closing is completed, you can download your electronically signed closing documents from HomeSquad.

Do I need to create a new account, separate from HomeSquad, to participate in RON or Hybrid eClosing?

With a RON eClosing, you'll need to create an account with Proof when you receive the scheduling confirmation email. You'll sign into this account for your virtual appointment with the eNotary to execute the documents that require notarization. You'll still be able to use your existing HomeSquad account to review and execute the documents that don't require notarization.

With a Hybrid eClosing, there's no need to create a different account. You'll be able to use your existing HomeSquad account to review and execute the Hybrid eClosing.

What can I use a home equity loan or line of credit for? Are there any restrictions?

You can use a home equity loan or line of credit for almost any purpose. Common home equity uses include:

• home improvements 
• unexpected expenses or emergencies
• education expenses
• medical bills
• consolidating debt
• weddings

Navy Federal doesn’t offer home equity loans or lines of credit for properties held in a life estate. For business loans, please visit Navy Federal Business Solutions. Please call 1-888-842-6328 if you have questions.

How do I order HELOC checks? Are there any restrictions on their use?

If requested, we'll provide you with checks at loan closing. If you need to order more, call us at 1-888-842-6328. We’ll gladly issue additional checks as long as your HELOC is in good standing and within the draw period. HELOC checks can be used anywhere personal checks are accepted. They cannot be used for online purchases or with billers/retailers who exclusively use electronic check conversion. You can also request a Home Equity Line Platinum Credit Card, which is tied to your line of credit. The card can be used wherever Visa® is accepted, all with no annual fee. To request a card, call us at 1-888-842-6328 or visit a branch.

Can I increase the credit limit on my HELOC?

No. The credit limit on a HELOC cannot be increased because equity loans are liens that are recorded at the county in which the property is located. A new HELOC application would be required. To apply, submit your application online, call us at 1-888-842-6328 or visit a branch.

How do I request a HELOC credit card?

Our Home Equity Line Platinum Card offers easy and convenient access to your HELOC. To request a card, call us at 1-888-842-6328 or visit a branch.

What is the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (SCRA)?

The Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (SCRA) provides legal and financial protection to eligible Active Duty servicemembers. It includes benefits such as a 6% interest rate cap. However, effective April 1, 2022, Navy Federal is offering a lower maximum interest rate of 4% to eligible member accounts.

Is my equity loan eligible for these benefits?

Your Navy Federal loan may be eligible for SCRA benefits if it was opened before you started Active Duty. Visit our SCRA page for more information on eligibility and to request benefits.