If you’re a homeowner in Niagara County or Erie County, you may have more financial flexibility than you realize.
As you pay down your mortgage and your home’s value increases over time, you build equity. Equity is the difference between what your home is worth and what you still owe, and it can be used to help fund renovations, consolidate debt, cover tuition, or handle major expenses.
At Cornerstone Community Federal Credit Union, our Freedom Equity Home Equity Line of Credit (HELOC) gives local homeowners a simple, flexible way to access those funds, often with more borrowing power and fewer fees than traditional banks.
Qualified members may borrow up to 100% of their home’s value* and take advantage of a 3.49% introductory APR* for the first 12 months.
How It Works
A HELOC provides you with a revolving line of credit based on your home’s value. Instead of receiving a lump sum, you draw funds as needed. You only pay interest on what you borrow, not the total amount you’re approved for.
Freedom Equity is designed to keep costs low and flexibility high, offering:
- No annual fees*
- No closing costs on loans under $100,000*
- No fees to convert all or part of your balance to a fixed-rate term loan*
- Up to 100% loan-to-value for qualified members*
- A 3.49% introductory APR* for the first 12 months*
After the introductory period, your APR will adjust according to the terms outlined in your agreement.
Not All HELOC Introductory Rates Are the Same
You may see financial institutions advertising very low introductory HELOC rates. In some cases, those promotional rates only last three to six months before adjusting, often to a much higher variable rate.
When comparing options, it’s important to look beyond the headline number. Consider how long the introductory APR lasts, what the rate adjusts to afterward, whether fees apply, and how much of your home’s value you’re able to access.
Cornerstone’s 3.49% introductory APR* lasts for a full 12 months, giving you more time to plan, budget, and complete your projects with greater predictability. Because when you’re using your home’s equity, transparency matters.
Why It Matters
Many financial institutions limit borrowing to 80–90% of your home’s value and may charge annual or closing fees. Freedom Equity offers eligible borrowers up to 100% of their homes value, helping you access more of the equity you’ve worked hard to build without unnecessary costs.
Whether you’re planning home improvements, consolidating higher-interest debt, or preparing for a major expense, a Freedom Equity Home Equity Line of Credit from Cornerstone Community Federal Credit Union can provide the flexibility you need to move forward with confidence.
If you’re looking for a HELOC in Niagara County or Erie County, our team is here to help you explore your options and determine how much you may qualify for.
**APR=Annual Percentage Rate. Interest rate will be fixed at 3.49% for 12 months. After the 12-month introductory period, the APR is variable and is based upon index (Prime Rate as published in The Wall Street Journal) plus a margin and is subject to change as the Prime Rate changes. Rate and eligible LTV may vary based on individual credit history and underwriting factors. Cornerstone Community FCU will pay all closing costs on HELOCs up to $100,000. HELOCs greater than $100,000 require borrower to pay a portion of the closing costs. Members are eligible to convert all or part of the HELOC into a fixed rate Home Equity Loan. Fixed rate loan option is based on the 5 year, 10 year or 20 treasury rate based on term published in the Wall Street Journal plus margin. Property insurance required. Early termination fee applies if loan is paid prior to 36 months. For existing Freedom Equity borrowers, additional conditions may apply. Loan application must be submitted by April 30, 2026 and booked by June 15, 2026 to qualify. Consult your tax advisor for details on the tax deductibility of interest. Interest rates and program terms are subject to change without notice. Must be a Cornerstone Community FCU member to qualify.
