INB’s retail team is good at turning what looks like a stressful situation to a customer into a chance to breathe. For Karyssa Pedersen and Wes Thompson, two of INB’s branch management team, it’s not just about selling. It’s about listening, understanding, and guiding people toward financial solutions that can make a real difference. And often, that solution lies in the value of customers’ homes.

Karyssa, our Wabash branch manager, remembers a woman who came to her looking for a personal loan to cover medical expenses and pay off some high-interest credit cards. Right away, Karyssa realized that the maximum unsecured loan at INB is $7,500, and her customer needed twice that.  While taking a closer look at the woman’s accounts, Karyssa noticed she had a mortgage with INB.  Karyssa says, “So I started running some numbers, and realized she had enough equity in her home to qualify for a $20,000 Home Equity Line of Credit (HELOC).” Karyssa still remembers the look of relief on the customer’s face.

This wasn’t a one-time case. Karyssa explains that many customers are overwhelmed by debt but don’t realize that their home can be the key to better financial footing. “I recently worked with someone juggling 10 to 12 credit cards, all accruing nearly 20% interest. “Through a HELOC, we consolidated everything into a single monthly payment—dramatically lower and much more manageable.”

Beyond debt, Karyssa has helped clients use HELOCs to fund basement remodels, replace roofs, and even install backyard pools. “Some customers open a HELOC just as a safety net,” she says. “They love that they only pay interest on what they use, and that the annual fee is just $50. It’s far more affordable than most credit cards.”

Making the Process Seamless

For Wes Thompson, a relationship banker, the power of a HELOC lies in its versatility—and in the peace of mind it can bring.

“One of our mortgage lenders referred a customer who had five credit cards with interest rates ranging from 23.74% to 29.15%,” Wes recalls. “Her minimum monthly payments alone were $565, and she wasn’t getting anywhere.”

Wes worked with her to secure a $15,000 HELOC at an interest rate of about 7.75%, slashing her monthly interest payment to just around $100. (This is a rate we've offered recently, and your interest rate and APR may be different.) With a single, streamlined payment, she finally had room to breathe—and as she paid down the balance, those funds would become available to use again if needed.

“I even convinced her to open an INB checking account so we could automatically deduct payments,” Wes says. “That knocked another 0.25% off her interest rate.”

And when life threw another curveball—her van broke down—Wes was there again, transferring funds directly from her HELOC to her new INB checking account so she could purchase a reliable vehicle immediately.

“After we closed, I sent out the checks to pay off her cards. Then when the car situation came up, I had the money in her account that same day,” Wes says. “She called it seamless and convenient. That’s exactly what we want the experience to be.”

Understanding the Tools

At INB, customers can choose from two powerful home equity options:

• Home Equity Line of Credit (HELOC): A flexible, revolving line of credit that allows homeowners to borrow as needed against their equity. HELOCs typically feature variable interest rates and interest-only payments during the draw period. They're ideal for ongoing or unpredictable expenses like home improvements or emergency needs.
• Home Equity Loan: A one-time, lump-sum loan with a fixed interest rate and set monthly payments. This is a better fit for major one-time expenses like debt consolidation, tuition, or a significant home project with a clear cost.

Both options let homeowners unlock value from their properties, but choosing the right product depends on their needs, preferences, and financial goals.

What sets INB apart isn’t just competitive rates or fast closings—it’s the care, creativity, and commitment from people like Karyssa and Wes. As Karyssa puts it: “It’s an incredible feeling to show someone that the door isn’t closed—that they do have options.”