Why a first-lien HELOC?
The refinance that wasn't...
Business professional. $750K home. Great income, strong cash flow, standard 30-year conventional mortgage.When rates started moving he called about a refinance which made sense on paper.
We ran the numbers both ways. A conventional refinance would have saved him money. A first-lien HELOC would save him significantly more because his cash flow was doing nothing sitting in a checking account every month.
He went with the HELOC. Estimated 10-year savings: $58,000 MORE than a conventional refinance.
FAQs
This if for you if: you have strong monthly cash flow sitting in a checking account doing nothing, you're disciplined with your finances and you want your money working harder than a standard mortgage allows.
Traditional banks make their money on the interest you pay over 30 years. A product that significantly reduces that interest isn't something they're motivated to sell. This program is only offered through a few, select lenders.
It's a real consideration and worth discussing in your specific context. The rate is typically tied to prime. For clients with strong, stable income, the savings from daily accrual often significantly outweigh the variability risk — especially in the early years when your balance is highest. We help you model both scenarios so you can make an informed decision.
Both. You can use this for a home purchase or to replace an existing mortgage through refinance. For a purchase, the mechanics are the same, your income starts working against your balance from day one.
Generally 680+ credit score, documented income (W-2, self-employed, or other), and 20%+ equity or down payment. This is designed for financially sophisticated borrowers with consistent cash flow — the higher your income and the more disciplined your finances, the more you benefit.
No, a traditional HELOC from your bank is a second lien on top of your mortgage. This is a first-lien HELOC that completely replaces your mortgage. The mechanics of how interest accrues are also fundamentally different; it's a different product, not a different name for the same thing.
Roxy Miles
NMLS#2464939
Complex income specialist.
Former financial advisor.
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