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South of Buhl, Idaho, surrounded by open fields and decades of memories, Cari Kaster and her husband have built a life on their family farm for more than 40 years. It’s the kind of place where generations gather, projects never truly end, and a home becomes much more than four walls, it becomes part of the family story.

Like many longtime homeowners, Cari began noticing the signs of age around the property in the late 1990s. At the same time, her family was growing, and the home needed updates to better support the life happening inside it.

In 1999, Cari turned to First Federal for a Home Equity Line of Credit (HELOC), a decision she says changed everything.

“We needed to do some improvements to the property because it was starting to show some age and our family was growing,” Cari shares. “I’ve had a home equity loan for the last 27-plus years with First Federal, and I love the product.”

For Cari, the biggest advantage was flexibility. Unlike a traditional loan where funds are received all at once, a HELOC allows homeowners to borrow against the equity they’ve built in their home and access funds when they need them. For families managing ongoing projects, changing plans, or major expenses, that flexibility can make all the difference.

“It gives you the flexibility like a credit card to use your equity for whatever you need,” Cari explains. “Whether that’s home improvements, trips, or using equity to buy your next home and make the transition easier.”

Over the years, the line of credit became more than just a financial tool, it became something she relied on throughout different stages of life. Whether tackling renovations on the farm, making large purchases, or preparing for future transitions, the process remained simple and convenient.

“Once it’s set up, all you have to do is write a check,” she says. “You don’t have to go to the bank. You don’t have to get pre-approved. You can just write the check and do whatever you need to do.”

That ease of use is one reason many homeowners choose a Home Equity Line of Credit. Instead of applying for multiple loans over time, a HELOC provides ongoing access to funds when opportunities or unexpected expenses arise.

For Cari, the experience was so positive that it eventually influenced her professional career as well. She later joined the First Federal team, drawn to the bank’s lending products and customer-focused approach.

“I went to work with First Federal because they had an amazing single-close construction loan,” Cari says. “Not long after I went to work for them, I opened up my home equity just because I liked the product.”

She also appreciated the bank’s competitive rates and fees, something she says stood out when comparing lenders.

“They were very competitive on their fees and interest rate,” she says. “That was one of the big things. If you look around, First Federal’s very competitive.”

During her time working in lending, Cari often recommended Home Equity Lines of Credit to customers making major investments in their homes and futures.

“The home equity line of credit was actually my go-to product for people when they were trying to do major capital investments and improvements,” she says.

Today, nearly three decades later, Cari still sees the value in the product that helped her family continue building the life they wanted on their Idaho farm.

“I couldn’t live without it,” she says. “I love it. That’s why I’ve had it for 27 years. It’s an asset—definitely an asset for your life.”

For homeowners looking to renovate, prepare for major expenses, consolidate debt, or simply create more financial flexibility, a Home Equity Line of Credit can provide a practical way to put the equity they’ve worked hard to build to use.

At First Federal, we believe your home should work for you and we’re here to help you make the most of it.