Cash can be hard to get, at times, and the debt can pile up, but if you own your own home it may be much easier than you think. A home equity loan allows you to take out a loan based on the built up cash value of your home. Here is what you need to look for in order to get a good deal on a home equity loan.
How It Works
A home equity loan is worth the amount of money that you now have invested in your house. For instance, if you house is worth $250,000 on the market, and you still have $155,000 on your existing mortgage, then you have an equity value of the difference – $95,000, in this case. That means that many lenders would be glad to give you a loan worth up to $95,000, as a second mortgage, or home equity loan.
Two Kinds of Mortgages
When you apply for a home equity loan, there are two kinds that you might get. The first kind, called a home equity loan, simply gives you the money – like any other loan. You are free to use the money as you want. The other kind is called a home equity line of credit, often referred to as a HELOC. Both of these are also referred to as second mortgages, since they are secured by the house itself.
The Simple Home Equity Loan
A home equity loan, or second mortgage usually is tax deductible, and is often based on the entire amount of the equity of the home. Generally, it is at a higher rate than the first mortgage, and usually has a maximum of 15 years to pay it back. Many homeowners use a balloon payment with this type of mortgage, or a large payment that is due at the end, in order to keep their payments low.
Line of Credit
This type of home equity mortgage gives to the homeowner a credit line that they are free to draw on – when needed. The ceiling amount is pre-approved by the lender, and then they are free to draw out money as they need it – or if they need it. Up to 100% of the equity value can be borrowed, and interest is only paid on the amount borrowed. The rate of interest, though, will vary, depending on what the rates are at the time you withdraw any money. These loans are generally held open for up to 30 years.
Like with any other loan, you need to take the time to shop around in order to ensure that you get the best deal. Not only should you compare interest rates, but also the various fees that are involved. Separate the actual loan from the fees and compare them other loans – fee against fees and loan costs. Do not make the assumption that since the home equity loan has no closing costs, that they are not in there somewhere – they are.
Tags: Amount Of Money, Balloon Payment, Equity Line Of Credit, Equity Value, Existing Mortgage, First Mortgage, Heloc, Home Equity Line, Home Equity Line Of Credit, Home Equity Loan, Home Equity Loans, Home Equity Mortgage, Lenders, Mortgage Loan, Rate Of Interest, Second Mortgage, Second Mortgages, Two KindsToday, there is a specific loan type for just about anything that you could need money for – whether short or long term. A balloon loan also has a specific purpose, and it could be what you are looking for if you are looking for something that is more of a short term than long term. Here are some ways that a balloon loan could help you.
A balloon loan, whether as a first or a second mortgage, is always set up for a 30-year span. This is so that there is a basis with which to calculate the payments. Your payments will always be what they should be to become fully amortized over the 30-year period. Balloon loans then are given a period of time, such as 5-year, or seven-year, or even a 15-year, in which they become due.
Balloon mortgages are usually fixed rate mortgages. The interest rate on a balloon mortgage is also a little lower, too, which reduces your monthly payments even lower, bringing even larger savings. There generally are not any limits on interest placed on refinancing, such as there might be with a 30-year ARM, so you will be refinanced at whatever is the current rate. Refinancing is simpler, though, and, if it is in your contract, you will not need to be requalified, or the property reassessed, and fees will usually be minimal.
When a balloon mortgage becomes due, then full payment is expected. However, because there is so much left to be paid, most people are required to refinance in order to pay the balloon mortgage off. Whatever the interest rate is at the time, is the rate that you will have to take there is not much of an option here.
If you are looking to buy a house, and stay for a short term, either less than the typical 5, 7 or 15 years, then you have a real good way to save some money. A balloon loan allows you to enjoy the lower monthly payment rates, and you can sell it before the balloon payment becomes due. This gives you the perfect opportunity to buy an even a larger house for less. The only problem is if you decide you want to stay – then you must refinance.
Balloon mortgages are more commonly being used as a second mortgage now, in order to reduce monthly payments and save hundreds of dollars each year. If you do not have a 20% Downpayment when you apply for your mortgage, then you will be required to get private mortgage insurance (PMI). You can avoid this by getting a piggyback loan, one for 80% (first mortgage) and the other for 20% (balloon loan), and then you will not need to get the costly and unnecessary PMI.
It is even possible to get a larger balloon loan if you get it against the equity built up in your house. Another option would be for the purpose of projects around the house in the way of construction and remodeling especially if you want to do it before you sell. When applying for a balloon loan you want to be sure to check out the various fees and compare several potential mortgages in order to see which one has the best deal for you. Also make sure that you get one without any penalties for paying it off early.
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