Home Equity Loans – second mortgage

Nadia asked:


We currently have a 1st mortgage with Resmor. We would like to renovate (and insulate) our second floor not only to accomodate heating costs but to bring in a boarder to help offset our costs. We need about $15K. Our finances haven’t been the best in the past but we’ve worked hard to increase our credit score, paying on time and is much better now.

Is it best to approach our bank for a home improvement loan? If one turns us down, should we continue looking? Should we bring a recent credit report and show how we intend to pay it?

Our equity doesn’t give us enough to do this and we prefer not to use our credit cards because of higher interest.

Once we’ve raised the value of our home, would this be a good time to put this loan onto a second mortgage? A mortgage broker has offered to do a 2nd mortgage with us. I get so confused with ALL these people who want our money. Help!

Please don’t send me to a website!

JAN