Home Equity Line of Credit
Key Features:
- Borrow up to 80% of the equity in your home on a primary lien or junior lien behind an NBT Bank first position mortgage (primary residence or second home, excluding manufactured housing and rental properties).
- Line amounts range from $10,000 to $500,000.
- Funds are accessible with checks, transfers through NBT Online Banking, via telephone request or through one of our convenient branch locations.
- Receive an interest rate reduction when you choose automatic payment from your NBT checking or money market account.
Fixed Rate Conversion Option:
- Any time during your draw period you can request a Fixed Rate Conversion Loan within your Home Equity Line of Credit account (referred to as a Fixed Rate Conversion Option). Just like the line, as you repay the fixed rate loan, your credit line becomes available for future borrowing. Fixed Rate Loans are available in any amount between $5,000 and your credit limit.
Need to Know:
- Principal and interest payments are required during the repayment period after the draw period ends.
- Finance charges for credit advances under the line of credit begin to accrue on the date credit advances are posted to the credit line.
- Bank pays the closing costs (with the exception of Title Insurance). You must reimburse the bank for the closing costs paid to third parties if you payoff and close the line within 36 months.
- Property insurance is required on the property securing the loan and flood insurance when necessary.
- Collateral must be a one-to-four unit primary residence or single-family second home, excluding manufactured housing and rental properties.
- Title Insurance may be required.
- Additional terms and conditions may apply.
Managing My Home Equity Line of Credit
How can I access my line of credit?
You may obtain credit advances under your Home Equity Line of Credit through any one of the following methods:
- Writing a Home Equity Line of Credit check
- Requesting an advance via telephone inquiry
- An in-person request at any one of our authorized retail branch locations
- Requesting a transfer online via our NBT Online Banking System
What is my draw period?
Home Equity Line of Credit accounts are generally divided into two periods: the draw period and the repayment period. Once you enter into a Home Equity Line of Credit Agreement, the Agreement will specify the terms and length of the draw and repayment periods. During the draw period, you may borrow against the Credit Line, repay a portion of the amount borrowed, and re-borrow up to the amount of the Credit Limit as needed. Your Credit Limit is defined in the loan agreement and is the maximum amount you may have outstanding at any one time. During the draw period, repayment terms of interest-only or principal plus interest are available. After the draw period ends, the repayment period will begin and you will no longer be able to obtain credit advances.
What is my repayment period?
Your Home Equity Line of Credit Agreement will specify the terms and length of the repayment period. When the draw period ends, you will no longer be able to access your line. When you enter the repayment period, your outstanding balance will be converted to a term loan with a variable interest rate and payment amount. Your minimum monthly payment will include both principal plus interest (P+I).
How do I request a Fixed Rate Conversion Option?
If you would like to request a Fixed Rate Conversion Option under your Home Equity Line of Credit account, you can do so by contacting or visiting any one of our convenient retail branch locations. There is a specific Home Equity Fixed Rate Conversion Option Request form that will need to be completed and submitted along with the $50.00 Fixed Rate Conversion Option Fee.
Can I change my payment method?
At NBT Bank, we offer a number of convenient options to pay your Home Equity Line of Credit account. If you are thinking about changing your payment method, please refer to our Personal Loan Payment Option page or visit one of our convenient retail branch locations for more information.
How can I close my account?
In order to close your account, you must pay any and all amounts owing under your Loan Agreement, including a mortgage discharge fee. For more information, please call us at 1-800-628-2265 or visit any of our convenient retail branch locations.
