home equity Archives - Utah First Credit Union

Woman with thought bubble showing options for using a HELOC

May 20, 2026 / Home Equity

When you hear the term Home Equity Line of Credit (HELOC), you probably think about home improvement projects. And while using a HELOC to upgrade your home is certainly one of the most common—and smartest—uses, it’s far from the only option. A HELOC is one of the most flexible ways to borrow money because it…

Illustration of a house in a tropical environment

Apr 28, 2026 / Home Equity

4 HELOC-Powered Resort Makeover Ideas for Your Backyard

Vacations are always over too soon. After a week, you’ve got a great tan and fun photos, then it’s back to real life. But what if you could slip into vacation mode anytime with the perfect retreat in your own backyard? When your outdoor space is designed like a getaway, you don’t have to…

Woman with illustration comparing HELOCs with home refinancing

Apr 15, 2026 / Home Equity

Refinance vs. HELOC: Which Is Better for Home Improvements?

Thinking about upgrading your kitchen, adding a home office, or finally tackling that backyard makeover? Home improvements are exciting, but figuring out how to pay for them can feel a little less fun. The good news is that if you’ve built equity in your home, you already have options!…

Apr 10, 2026 / Home Equity

How Does a HELOC Work?

You’ve probably heard all about a home equity line of credit (HELOC). It’s a revolving line of credit that lets you use as much or as little of your available HELOC funds as you want, for whatever you want, whenever you need it. It’s a…

Mar 30, 2026 / Home Equity

Six HELOC-Worthy Outdoor Upgrades for Spring

Spring has sprung early this year! The temps are gorgeous, the days are getting longer, and somewhere between that bare patch of lawn and the grill, there’s a vision of the outdoor space you’ve been putting off for years. Thankfully, if you’ve got a Utah…

Feb 03, 2026 / Home Equity

5 Retreat-Level Home Upgrades to Help You Romanticize Everyday Life

We’re not here to trash-talk flowers. They’re pretty, thoughtful, and they say, “I was thinking of you.” But they don’t last long, and chocolate disappears even faster. If you’re looking for a Valentine’s Day gift that lasts and improves your daily life together, what if…

Jun 17, 2025 / Home Equity

Fixed Rate HELOC vs. Traditional HELOC

Every HELOC can help you achieve your personal goals—upgrade your home, put together a big event, or plan a dream vacation. It’s a great way to have extra cash on hand for any reason, big or small. But not all HELOCs are alike. In fact,…

Feb 03, 2023 / Home Equity

3 Ways You Can Use a HELOC This Spring

Groundhog Day has come and gone. Punxsutawney Phil emerged from Gobbler’s Knob, saw his shadow, and went back to hiding in his hole—portending six more weeks of winter. Depending on how you feel about winter, this could be good or bad news. But if you…

Sep 02, 2022 / Home Equity

3 Outside the Box Benefits of Having a HELOC

Everyone knows that a HELOC is a great way to access cash for a home upgrade, a big event, or a big expense like a family vacation. But did you know that your HELOC can come in handy in a few less conventional ways too.…

Jun 24, 2022 / Home Equity

3 Reasons to Improve Your Property this Summer

The Federal Reserve just announced an increase in interest rates, which means the cost of borrowing money is going up. It’s a move that affects nearly everyone, but according to Bankrate, would-be homebuyers may feel the most immediate impact. That’s because home prices are still…