New Workshop: Home Improvement 101

Unlock your home’s potential

Learn how to use your home’s equity to fund renovations, repairs, and major projects — with guidance from local experts you can trust.

Join Great Erie Federal Credit Union for a free educational workshop designed to help homeowners understand their financing options and make confident decisions.

Register now and receive our free Home Improvement Guide when you attend.

Your home is more than just where you live — it can also be a powerful financial tool.

Whether you are planning renovations, repairs, upgrades, or other major expenses, understanding your options can help you make smarter decisions and avoid costly mistakes.

Designed to give you clarity, confidence, and a clear path forward, Great Erie presents our free Home Improvement 101 workshop, created to help homeowners understand how home equity loans, HELOCs, and other financing options work.

You do not need to figure this out alone.
We will walk you through the process step by step.

Get the guide

Join Us!

Date: April 23rd
Time: 6-7 p.m. est
Attend In-Person (Recommended):

Orchard Park Community Activity Center
4600 California Road, Orchard Park
Room #128

Prefer to join from home?
A live Zoom option is available for your convenience.

Registration required

Reserve My Spot

What You’ll Learn

In this workshop, we will cover:

How home equity works
The difference between HELOCs and home equity loans
How lenders decide how much you can borrow
What lenders look at before approving a loan
Common borrowing mistakes to avoid
When using home equity makes sense — and when it doesn't
How to prepare before you apply
What to expect during the renovation process, from planning to final build
How to budget for your project — insights from a local contractor

Preparing ahead of time can make the application process smoother and help you get better loan options.

THIS WORKSHOP IS FOR YOU IF…

You want to renovate or improve your home

You need to pay for repairs or upgrades

You are curious about using home equity

You want to understand your loan options

You want to avoid borrowing mistakes

You want to ask questions in a relaxed, no-pressure setting

FREE BONUS WHEN YOU ATTEND

This guide will help you:

Understand HELOCs and home equity loans
Learn how much you may be able to borrow
Know what lenders review
Avoid common borrowing mistakes
Decide if using home equity makes sense for your situation

Reserve My Spot

Get The Guide

Free guide provided to workshop attendees.

Thinking about improving your home?

Join us for
Home Improvement 101 — Unlock Your Home’s Potential
and learn how to make smart decisions about financing your next project.

Free workshop • Free guide • No pressure • Local experts

Meet Your Home Improvement Team

Mike Mangino
Mangino Home Improvements

Mangino Home Improvements (MHI), founded in 2012, is a family-owned contractor serving Western New York. Led by Cullen and Caylor Mangino, the team specializes in kitchens, bathrooms, basements, additions, and full home builds. Known for integrity and personal attention, MHI delivers high-quality work and remains a trusted resource for homeowners— backed by Platinum Certifications and an A+ BBB rating.

Meet Your Mortgage Matchmaker

Suzanne Milton
Mortgage Loan Originator
Great Erie Federal Credit Union
Suzanne joined Great Erie in 2023 and brings over 11 years of experience in the banking and financial industry. She previously spent five years at Owners Choice Funding—our trusted mortgage partner—gaining valuable expertise that now benefits our members directly. Suzanne is dedicated to guiding borrowers through the homebuying process with knowledge, care, and personalized support.

"I am very thankful for the professionalism, kindness and trust I received from Suzanne and the Great Erie Mortgage department. It was greatly appreciated and helped me create my dream."
Sincere thanks - Barb M.

Fill out the form below and we will reach out to you, or contact Suzanne directly at 716.662.1311 ext. 127 or smilton@GreatErieFCU.com

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Frequently Asked Questions

What topics will be covered during the workshop?

We’ll provide a simple overview of how homeowners can use their home’s equity to fund improvements, along with a look at common financing options and how to choose what’s right for you.
We’ll also be joined by a local contractor from Mangino Home Improvement, who will share practical insights on planning projects, budgeting, and making smart home improvement decisions.

Is this workshop free to attend?

Yes! This workshop is completely free. It’s part of our commitment to helping our community make confident, informed decisions about home improvement and financing.

Do I need to be a Great Erie member to attend?

No, this workshop is open to everyone in the community. Whether you’re already a member or just exploring your options, you’re welcome to join us.

When and where is the workshop being held?

The workshop will take place on April 23 and is offered in person and via Zoom. We encourage attending in person for the full experience, including face-to-face guidance and a more interactive setting.

Do I need to register in advance?

Yes, we recommend registering ahead of time to reserve your spot—especially for the in-person session, where seating may be limited.

What if I can’t attend in person?

You can still join us via Zoom and take part in the workshop from the comfort of your home. However, attending in person allows for a more engaging experience and easier one-on-one conversations with our team.

Will I be asked to apply for a loan?

No. This workshop is for education only.

Can I ask questions?

Yes. We encourage questions during the session.

Do I get the free guide if I sign up?

Yes. Workshop attendees receive the Homebuyer Checklist Guide.

Is this workshop beginner-friendly?

Yes! The workshop is designed to be clear, simple, and approachable—whether you’re just starting to explore ideas or already considering a project.

About Great Erie

Great Erie Federal Credit Union is a member-owned, not-for-profit financial cooperative serving Western New York since 1952.

Our goal is simple — help our members make smart financial decisions with honest guidance, competitive products, and personalized support.

We believe education leads to better choices, which is why we offer workshops like this to help members feel prepared before making important financial decisions.

What drives Great Erie? Helping people.

For over 74+ years, Great Erie FCU has remained committed to one guiding principle: making life better for every one of our members. Join our Home Improvement 101 Workshop to gain the knowledge and confidence for your next project. As your credit union, we support you with trusted guidance, competitive rates, and exceptional member service.

What our members are saying

“I am very thankful for the professionalism, kindness and trust I received from Suzanne and the Great Erie Mortgage department. It was greatly appreciated and helped me create my dream.”
— Barb M.

“I just closed my third car loan with Great Erie. They always beat dealer rates, super easy and fast online application and funding. They made it effortless. Highly recommend.”
— Michelle S.B.

“Love it! Never had such a great experience with a bank or credit union. I have multiple loans and accounts with Great Erie FCU and they give amazing rates.”
— Scott B.

“I’ve been a member of Great Erie for a few years now and I highly recommend them. A+ for their customer service and quick wait time.”
— Kelsey E.

“We have been members for over twenty years. Great Erie continues to meet us with the excellent customer service we deserve.”
— Lisa T.

“This is a credit union where customer service still means something. Whatever my needs, they always have compassionate people available to assist.”
— Marshall C.