Home Equity Loans – FAQs

What is a Home Equity Loan?

Home equity loans fall under the provisions of Section 50(a)(6), Article XVI, of the Texas Constitution. A home equity loan can be for any legal purpose which uses the equity (the difference between the home’s value and any outstanding debts against the home) in a member’s home for collateral.
For home equity lending, Texas law restricts the total amount of all loans secured by the homestead to a maximum of 80% of the home’s value.
Texas home equity loans offered by Brazos Star Credit Union are closed end loan with substantially equal payments over a fixed period of time.

What Properties Can Be Considered?

The property used for collateral must be a single-family, owner-occupied homestead property, located within the five-county region of the credit union’s field of membership.
Qualifying properties are defined as either urban or rural.
Urban properties consist of not more than 10 acres of land with any improvements contained thereon, within the limits of a municipality or it’s extraterritorial jurisdiction, or a platted subdivision; AND served by police protection, paid or volunteer fire protection, and at least three of the following services provided by a municipality or under contract to a municipality: electric, natural gas, sewer, storm sewer, or water. Rural property shall consist of not more than 200 acres for a family (100 acres for a single, adult person not otherwise entitled to a homestead), with the improvements thereon.
The following properties are not eligible for a Home Equity Loan: duplexes, investment properties and mobile homes.

How Much Can I Borrow From Brazos Star?

• The home equity loan and all other loans secured by the property (first mortgage, home improvement loan, etc.) cannot exceed 80% of the fair market value of the home.
• The minimum home equity loan amount is $25,000.
• Normal qualifying applies, the actual amount you may borrow will depend on our normal credit criteria.

What About Rates and Terms?

Loan rates are expressed as Annual Percentage Rate (A.P.R.) Rates, fees and terms will vary according to the credit worthiness of each applicant, the amount borrowed and the length of the loan.
Rates and terms are subject to change without notice. Rates and terms for loans above $200,000 may vary and will require board approval. For current rates and terms please contact the credit union or visit our website at https://www.brazosstarcu.com.

What Documents Will I Need To Complete The Loan Process?

• Home Equity Loan Questionnaire
• Completed and signed loan application and “Notice Concerning Extensions of Credit”
• Verification of income – most recent paystubs or two years tax returns for self-employed individuals.
• Consent for Electronic Documents
• Verification of the current balance of any mortgage loan or other liens against the property.
• Copy of homeowner’s insurance policy declaration page (mandatory) and flood insurance policy (if required)

Other Information

• A Home Equity Deed of Trust will be taken on the home.
• The Brazos Star CU home equity loan must be in either a first or second lien position.
• Only one home equity loan is allowed on the property per 12-month period.
• The spouse of the owner must sign the closing documents whether or not they are on the deed.
• Loan documents must be signed at the credit union, a title company, or lawyer’s office.

Important Information About Procedures for Opening a New Account

Brazos Star Credit Union complies with section 326 of the USA PATRIOT Act. Federal law requires all financial institutions to obtain, verify and record information that identifies each person who opens an account such as name, address, date of birth and taxpayer identification. We may ask to see your driver’s license or other identifying documents.