HELOC process advice

[Colin Courtney]

I'm currently in the process of fixing up my primary residence in preparation for an appraisal to use for obtaining a HELOC. I was wondering if anyone else has gone through the process of obtaining a HELOC through a lender, and what tips/advice you would share for the process? I'm also wondering which lenders provide good rates and turn-around times for setting up the HELOC (and should I go local or go with a nationwide lender).