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 KindsLenders are making the market for new loans sound so good. Other types of loans are already on the market, and understood. So, how do you get new people to jump on your bandwagon? You offer something that sounds good, but one that not everybody yet understands. That seems to be the case of the 125% home equity loan, too.
The Promise
The promise that is made is to give you 125% of the value of your house for a second mortgage. This way you can enjoy having extra finances to use as you please. You can pay off other debt, fix up the house, combine both mortgages, go on a vacation, or whatever. The choice is up to you.
What, though, is the truth behind a 125% mortgage? Here are some details. Some of these companies actually want to lend you more money than your house is actually worth. Think about it. Are they really trying to help? With other lenders, it can actually be a little difficult to get 80% of the value of a house (they are the smart ones). Why are these agencies trying to push extra money in your face?
Extra Charges
A number of these companies charge 10% if you want to get a lower rate of interest than what is initially offered. That’s just for starters. While they do offer lower rates than what credit cards usually go for, it actually may not be much more, since second mortgages are typically more than a first mortgage. Plus, there is an origination fee, closing costs, and more.
Stay Where You Are
With the extra charges, and owing considerably more than your house is worth, you can plan on not moving anytime soon. This puts you in a negative equity situation. Many people who bought houses even last year are finding out that this is not a good situation to be in. It is possible, in a day of unstable housing markets, that your house could also be devalued making it even harder, if not impossible to sell for years more. It could also mean going into greater debt.
It will also take you a few years just to recover from the various expenses of the mortgage – let alone bring your debt down to where you can make any profit on selling the house. And getting the downpayment for a new house while you owe so much – don’t even go there – it will only be in your dreams.
An even greater problem may occur if you have an adjustable rate mortgage. Sooner or later, there is going to be a rate increase, and it could be as much as 50% higher than it is now.
Compare
If you still want to consider a 125% mortgage, then be sure to compare one company’s product with another. You will be able to see the features that really stand out, and be able to see what features you may need, or want. Be wary of mortgages that promise no fees, because you can be sure that it has been added in there somewhere – and probably more things, too.
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