

Use Your Home Equity for What Comes Next
Use the equity in your home to help finance renovations, major projects, debt consolidation, and other planned expenses. For a limited time, FSB is offering home equity rates as low as 5.99% APR and up to $600 off closing costs.* Work with a local lender who understands Eastern Iowa and can help you compare home equity loan and HELOC options.
Fall Home Equity Special
Put the Finishing Touch on Your Home
Whether you are finishing a basement, remodeling a kitchen, building a deck, or adding more living space, a home equity loan or HELOC can help finance the project. FSB's current home equity promotion combines competitive fixed-rate options with up to $600 off eligible closing costs.*
Talk With a Local Lender$600
Home Equity Loan Calculator
What Could Your Monthly Payment Look Like?
Enter a loan amount, rate, and repayment term to estimate your home equity loan payment and compare different financing scenarios.
Home Equity Loan vs. HELOC in Iowa
Compare how a home equity loan and home equity line of credit work, how you receive funds, and which option may fit different types of expenses.
Home Equity Loan in Iowa: Fixed Rate, Lump-Sum Funding
A home equity loan provides a set amount of money at closing and typically works well when you already know approximately how much you need to borrow. With a fixed interest rate and scheduled payments, it can be a practical option for a defined home improvement project, debt consolidation, or another large one-time expense.
Home Equity Loan Features
- Fixed interest rate for predictable scheduled payments
- Lump-sum funding provides the approved loan amount at closing
- Useful for defined project costs when the total expense is easier to estimate
- Flexible repayment terms depending on the loan amount and financing structure
Home Equity Line of Credit (HELOC) in Iowa
A home equity line of credit provides access to an approved credit line so you can draw funds as expenses occur. A HELOC can be useful for renovations completed in phases, projects with changing costs, or other expenses that may happen over time. FSB offers fixed-rate HELOC financing options.
HELOC Features
- Access funds as needed instead of receiving the entire amount upfront
- Fixed-rate option available for greater payment predictability
- Useful for phased projects or expenses that happen at different times
- Credit-line flexibility for eligible expenses as they arise
What Can You Use a Home Equity Loan or HELOC For?
Home equity financing can help Iowa homeowners pay for renovations, consolidate debt, cover education costs, or finance other large planned expenses.

Home Renovations & Remodeling
Finance a kitchen remodel, finished basement, new deck, bathroom update, addition, or other home improvement project.

Debt Consolidation
Consolidate eligible higher-interest debt into one payment and simplify how you manage monthly obligations.

Education Expenses
Help cover eligible tuition, training, certification, or other education-related expenses.

Major Planned Expenses
Use available home equity for other significant expenses while keeping more of your existing savings available.
How to Apply for a Home Equity Loan or HELOC in Iowa
Start online and work with an FSB lender in Eastern Iowa to review your home equity financing options, project details, and next steps.
Get started online with a short form or visit an FSB branch .
An FSB lender reviews your information and explains available home equity loan and HELOC options.
After approval and closing, access the funds according to the home equity financing option selected.
Home Equity Loan vs. HELOC: Which Is Better for Your Needs?
| Features | Home Equity Loan | HELOC |
|---|---|---|
| Uses available home equity as collateral | ✔ | ✔ |
| Fixed interest rate available | ✔ | ✔ |
| Borrow up to eligible loan-to-value limits | ✔ | ✔ |
| Funds provided as a set amount at closing | ✔ | ✖ |
| Access funds as project expenses occur | ✖ | ✔ |
| Works well for a defined project budget | ✔ | ✖ |
| Works well for phased or changing project costs | ✖ | ✔ |
| Current FSB Promotion | ||
| Rates as low as 5.99% APR* | ✔ | ✔ |
| Up to $600 off eligible closing costs* | ✔ | ✔ |
Mallory was incredibly helpful and professional throughout the loan process, providing excellent knowledge and guidance.- Wael A., FSB home equity borrower in Iowa
Home Equity Loan & HELOC FAQs
Get answers to common questions about home equity loans, HELOCs, borrowing against home equity, and home equity financing in Iowa.
What is the current home equity rate at FSB?
Through October 31, 2026, FSB is offering a 5.99% fixed rate on home equity loans (up to 66 months) and fixed-rate HELOCs (60-month term). The bank covers eligible closing costs up to $600. A minimum loan amount of $15,000, a credit score of 690 or higher, and a maximum loan-to-value of 85% apply.*
How much can I borrow with a home equity loan?
You can typically borrow up to 85% of your home's appraised value, minus any existing mortgage balance. The exact amount depends on your credit score, income, debt-to-income ratio, and the property type. A strong financial profile can help you qualify for a higher amount and better terms.
What is the difference between a home equity loan and a HELOC?
A home equity loan gives you a one-time lump sum at a fixed interest rate with a set repayment schedule. A HELOC works more like a revolving credit line where you borrow against an approved limit as needed. A home equity loan is best when you know the exact amount you need. A HELOC is best when you want ongoing flexibility.
What is a home equity loan?
A home equity loan lets you borrow against the value you've built in your home. You receive a lump sum with a fixed interest rate and fixed monthly payment. It's a straightforward way to fund a major expense with payments you can plan around. Learn more about FSB's lending options.
What is a home equity line of credit (HELOC)?
A Home Equity Line of Credit (HELOC) gives you flexible access to your home's equity. Instead of one lump sum, you draw funds as needed up to your approved limit during the draw period. You pay interest only on the amount you use. When the draw period ends, you repay the balance over a set term.
What do lenders look at when I apply for a home equity loan?
Lenders review your credit history, income, existing debts, and how much equity you have in your home. They want to see that you can comfortably manage the new payment alongside your current obligations. A solid credit history, steady income, and lower debt-to-income ratio improve your chances of approval and favorable terms.
Can I use a home equity loan for debt consolidation?
Yes. Many borrowers use a home equity loan to consolidate high-interest credit card balances or other debts into a single, fixed monthly payment. Because home equity rates are typically lower than credit card rates, this can reduce what you pay in interest over time. Learn more about debt consolidation with FSB.
How is home equity calculated?
Home equity is the difference between your home's current value and the amount you still owe on loans secured by the property. For example, if your home is worth $250,000 and you owe $150,000, you have approximately $100,000 in home equity.
Is interest on a home equity loan or HELOC tax-deductible?
Home equity interest may be tax-deductible in certain situations, such as when the funds are used for qualifying improvements to the home securing the loan. Tax rules vary, so you should consult a qualified tax advisor about your specific situation.
How do I apply for a home equity loan or HELOC in Cedar Rapids, Iowa?
You can apply online or visit any FSB branch in Marion, Hiawatha, Cedar Rapids, or Tiffin. Every application is reviewed locally by an FSB lender.
Where We Lend
Home Equity Loans Across Eastern Iowa
The same competitive rates and local decisions, no matter where you own your home.
Linn County
Cedar Rapids
Branches on the southwest, northwest, and northeast sides of Cedar Rapids give you convenient access to a local lender.
Linn County
Marion
FSB's main Marion branch and Collins Road Square serve Marion homeowners with full-service home equity lending.
Linn County
Hiawatha
A dedicated Hiawatha branch with the same local lending expertise and in-house home equity decisions.
Johnson County
Tiffin & Iowa City Area
FSB's Tiffin branch opened in 2021 to serve one of Iowa's fastest-growing communities with full home equity lending services.
Don't See Your City?
Across Eastern Iowa
Not sure if we lend in your area? Contact a local lender, and we'll find the right path forward.
Your rate is based on your credit profile and loan type, not your location. Same competitive rates across all Eastern Iowa communities we serve.
Estimate Your New Payment
Use our debt consolidation calculator to see what combining your debts into a single home equity loan could mean for your monthly payment.
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Home Equity Disclosures
1Must be 18 or older to apply. All loans are subject to credit approval.