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Upgrading Birmingham home via HELOC — Adding shade trees + native plants to your Birmingham yard is an upgrade that lasts for years. (Bham Now)

All of the cliches about spring are true: Your mind turns to cleaning out the old, bringing in the new and making room for some exciting changes in your home “nest.”

And while most of us can pick up a new throw pillow or candle in downtown Homewood or Pepper Place on our current budget, it may seem like bigger home design decisions—hello, outdoor kitchen for football season—are out of our budget reaches.

Well, think again.

If you’re a homeowner, a Home Equity Line of Credit (HELOC) can put money in your pocket for home improvements.

See how to turn your home into a powerful financial tool. It’s easier than you may think, and it’s a fantastic way to give your Birmingham home a glow-up.

How to get a home equity line of credit

upgrading your Birmingham kitchen — Start that Birmingham home remodel with a trusted local contractor. (Bham Now)

OK, we promise to explain this in easy terms: We’ll start with equity.

It’s simply the money you’ve already spent to pay off a mortgage—or taking the original loan value and subtracting the appraised value, leaving you with what can be a substantial amount of personal wealth that only grows as you continue to pay off your loan.

A HELOC, or Home Equity Line of Credit, is a flexible loan that lets you borrow against your equity in your home.

“Think of a HELOC like a credit card.

Your “spend limit” is determined by your home’s equity. Instead of receiving one lump sum, you’re approved for a credit line and can borrow only what you need, when you need it.

You only repay what you spend, and as you repay, those funds become available again—giving you ongoing access to money at a low rate.”

_{Rachel Kang, Marketing Manager at AlaTrust Credit Union}

HELOCs give you the flexibility to spend the money how you need it—even for things outside of your home—including options like:

Home improvements: Upgrade your kitchen, renovate a bathroom, replace a roof or add energy-efficient upgrades.
Debt consolidation: Combine higher-interest debts into one manageable payment with a lower rate.
Major expenses: Cover large purchases like medical bills, tuition or unexpected expenses.
Life events: Fund weddings, vacations or other big milestones.
Financial flexibility: Keep a HELOC available as a safety net for unexpected needs

We found a 3.99% APR limited-time HELOC rate

making home renovation plans in Birmingham — HELOC loans can help build your Birmingham dream home. (Bham Now)

So far this year, HELOC rates have averaged around 7-8%, but we found a great, lower-than-average starting rate—even better, it’s with a locally-headquartered credit union, AlaTrust.

For a limited time, AlaTrust is offering a special introductory rate of just 3.99% Annual Percentage Rate (APR) for the first 12 months. And they’ve made it quick and easy to apply (anyone who’s purchased a home remembers the mountain of paperwork to sign with a cramped hand…not the case here!).

Here’s how to apply for a HELOC with AlaTrust Credit Union:

Call 1-800-264-8031
Click the apply button on this page

Unsure of how much you should take out? AlaTrust has a handy calculator so you can get started.

Keep in mind this special promo is only good through June 30, 2026, so now’s the time to start making plans for a bigger, brighter future courtesy of the hard work you’ve already put into your own nest. *For full details, terms and conditions, see: https://www.alatrustcu.com/Promotions/All/HELOC

See how AlaTrust Credit Union is Birmingham’s friendly, helpful way to turn your home into a powerful financial tool.

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