MORTGAGE KNOWLEDGE CENTER

PenFed Mortgage with Confidence

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HELOC LOANS

Rates starting at 6.750% (6.750% APR)*

MORTGAGE

Refinancing Your Home

Download eBook What you'll learn: In this eBook, we highlight everything you need to know for a smooth and simple refinance. Learn the ins and outs of refinance.

 

EXPECTED READ TIME: 20 MINUTES

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November 09, 2022

There are a lot of reasons to consider refinancing your home.  Perhaps you have equity that you’d like to access with a cash-out refinance?  Perhaps you want to lower your interest rate and reduce your monthly payment, or term of your loan.  Whatever your reason, it’s important to arm yourself with what to expect, prepare for, and understand your options.  We’ve created an eBook called “Ready Set Refi” which highlights everything you need to know for a smooth and simple refinance.

In this eBook we’ve focused on the following to make your refinance as simple as possible:

  • What are the different types of refinancing available and what is best for you?
    1. Rate and term
    2. Cash-out
    3. Streamline refinance
    4. Home Equity loan
    5. HELOC
  • What are your refinancing options?
  • VA Refinancing options
  • Refinancing costs
  • More…

For more information about PenFed Mortgages:

PenFed Mortgage:

844-545-0682

Apply Now

SIMILAR ARTICLES

two women discussing home refinancingWhat Are the Benefits of Refinancing?

There are some significant advantages to refinancing. Whether you're just lowering your rate or getting cash out, find out what they are so, you can decide if refinancing is right for you.

House model with agentWhat Is P&I – Principal and Interest – And How Can I Save on My Mortgage?

Learn where your mortgage payments go with an in depth look at principal & interest and learn strategies to save on your mortgage.

man using calculatorTop Tips to Refinance Existing Home Loan

Getting ready to apply for a refinance? Discover top tips for success, including filling out the refinance application & how much savings is worth refinancing.

tiny wooden home on stack of coinsBenefits of Refinancing with a VA Streamline Refinance

VA home loans have many benefits, but a streamline home loan (IRRRL) offers even more reasons why a VA mortgage may be your best option. Find out more.

Disclosures

*Prime Rate is 6.750% as of December 12, 2025. The APR for this Home Equity Line of Credit (HELOC) is based on prime plus a margin and can change monthly. Fixed Rate Advances will be amortized over the Fixed Rate Advance Term, with the payment consisting of principal and interest. Your Annual Percentage Rate for a Fixed Rate Advance will be calculated by adding your Prime Rate, your Margin, and the Additional Fixed Rate Lock-In Margin. Your Annual Percentage Rate for a Fixed Rate Advance shall not exceed 18% and shall be equal to or greater than 6.750% for primary residences and second homes.

  • Annual Fee: Notwithstanding the foregoing, an annual fee of $99 will be assessed on each account anniversary.
  • Home equity lines of credit (HELOC) are variable rate loans and the interest rate is subject to increase after consummation of the loan on monthly basis. Closing costs range between $500 and $8,500 for credit lines of $500,000. Contact a representative for additional details.

Appraisals: PenFed will attempt to establish value via an independent method. If that method is unsuccessful, or the value is not sufficient for the amount requested, an appraisal will be required regardless of CLTV. An appraisal is always required in the following circumstances:

For all loans with a loan amount greater than $400,000.

If an appraisal is required, it must be ordered by PenFed. You will be contacted for authorization and payment prior to ordering. Appraisal fees average $550 to $850 (some run higher).

  • Closing Cost Credit: PenFed will pay most closing costs associated with a home equity line of credit (HELOC), which includes credit report, flood certification, settlement/closing, property ownership and encumbrances search, recording, property search, and quick close. Member is responsible for any city, county, and/or state taxes if the subject property is located in FL, LA, MD, MN, NY, TN, or VA. If an appraisal is required, the member, who is responsible for the fee whether or not the loan closes, will pay the cost.

Interest may be tax deductible, consult a tax advisor for further information regarding the tax deductibility of interest and charges.

Fixed Rate Advance Lock-In You may lock in an Annual Percentage Rate for Advances during the Draw Period. During your Draw Period, you may choose to have three separate Fixed Rate Advances locked in at any one time, with a maximum of two new Fixed Rate Advances per calendar year. Each Fixed Rate Advance must equal or exceed Ten Thousand Dollars ($10,000.00) and you may not request a Fixed Rate Advance that would cause the amount you owe to exceed your Credit Limit. The only term option for your Fixed Rate Advance is 240 months (“Fixed Rate Advance Term”). However, the term of your Fixed Rate Advance cannot exceed your Repayment Period.

Fixed Rate Advances will be amortized over the Fixed Rate Advance Term with the payment consisting of principal and interest. Your Annual Percentage Rate for a Fixed Rate Advance will be calculated by adding your Prime Rate, your Margin and the Additional Fixed Rate Lock-In Margin. Your Annual Percentage Rate for a Fixed Rate Advance shall not exceed 18% and shall be equal to or greater than 6.750% for primary residences and second homes.

Property Insurance: Property insurance is required.

Multiple PenFed Loans: Multiple PenFed Equity loans and HELOCs are available as long as the member and collateral qualify (except Texas). For Equity loans and HELOCs the total indebtedness cannot exceed $500,000 for all PenFed Equity and HELOCs combined.

PenFed does not lend on:

  • Mobile homes
  • Co-ops or time-shares
  • Properties that are currently listed on the market for sale
  • Commercial property or property used for commercial purposes, even if a residence is part of the property
  • Undeveloped property (land only)
  • Properties with more than 4 units

Properties that are currently under major construction/renovations: Property must be fully livable, with no safety issues. (Examples: no missing rails from stairs/decks, no open walls with wires showing, missing kitchen appliances/counters, missing bath fixtures or unfinished pool).

  • Additional limitations may apply

Home Equity Line of Credit:

  • This Account has a Draw Period of 10 years, followed by a repayment period of 20 years.
  • If only minimum payments are made during the draw period, the loan balance will not decrease.
  • In Texas, the maximum CLTV available is 80% on owner occupied properties. Additional restrictions apply in Texas, so please ask a representative for details.
  • In all other states, the maximum CLTV is 85% on owner occupied properties and second homes. Additional restrictions or requirements may apply based on application characteristics.
  • Property type of Condo has a maximum CLTV of 80%.
  • The maximum CLTV available is dependent on credit qualification.
  • Rates vary depending on owner occupancy and CLTV and other loan criteria.

Minimum Loan Amount Requirements in all States:

  • For an owner occupied property or second home the minimum loan amount is $25,000 and the maximum amount is $500,000 with a CLTV of 85% or less of the fair market value.

Other terms and conditions apply; call 844-918-4307 to speak with a representative for details. All rates and offers are subject to change without notice. To receive advertised product, you must become a member of PenFed.

This credit union is federally insured by the National Credit Union Administration. Rates are current as of April 2026 unless otherwise noted and are subject to change.

APY = Annual Percentage Yield
APR = Annual Percentage Rate