Financing Resources

Every renovation or property project is a little different, and so is how homeowners choose to pay for it. Here's some general information on two of the most common ways Atlanta-area homeowners finance kitchen, bath, and whole-home renovation projects - personal loans and home equity lines of credit (HELOC) - along with a couple of resources where you can learn more and compare your options directly.

Personal Loans

A personal loan provides a fixed lump sum that's repaid in fixed monthly payments over a set term, usually without putting your home up as collateral. Approval is based mainly on your credit and income, and funds can often be available within a few days - making it a straightforward option for smaller or mid-size projects like a bath refresh, cabinet update, or tenant turn.

Home Equity Line of Credit (HELOC)

A HELOC lets you borrow against the equity you've built in your home, similar to a credit card - you draw what you need, when you need it, up to an approved limit, and pay interest only on what you use. Because it's tied to your home's equity (rather than a fixed lump sum), it can be a good fit for larger or multi-phase renovation projects where costs may unfold over time.

Where to Review Your Options

Upstart, SoFi, LightStream, and Figure are a few well-known lenders offering personal loans and HELOCs, so they're a good place to compare real rates and terms side by side:

Upstart Mortgage: upstartmortgage.com

SoFi: sofi.com/home-loans/heloc

LightStream: lightstream.com/home-improvement-loan

Figure: figure.com/home-equity-line

Rates, terms, and eligibility vary by lender and change over time, so we always recommend comparing a few options before deciding what's right for your project and budget.