Home Equity Loans – second mortgage

Carrie Reeder asked:




A home equity loan makes it possible for homeowners to gain access to their home’s equity without selling the property. Traditionally, homeowners would have to sell their primary residence in order to access the equity. The money could be used as down payment on a new residence, or used to payoff debts. Fortunately, moving is no longer the only option for tapping into one’s equity.

How is Home Equity Gained?

A home’s equity is the difference between the mortgage amount owed and the market value of a property. Homes and properties gain equity in one of two ways. For starters, as homeowners submit mortgage payments, the overall balance on their mortgage loan is reduced. Secondly, homes acquire equity as a result of rising home values. Within the past two to three years, many housing markets across the nation have witnessed phenomenal housing increases. For this matter, many homeowners have acquired unbelievable equity amounts in a short period.

Purpose of Home Equity Loans

Each homeowner’s reason for acquiring a home equity loan will vary. Common reasons include using the money to eliminate high interest debts. Many people set a goal of becoming debt free. However, due to high finance fees on credit cards, reducing the balance is extremely difficult. In most cases, a lump sum of money is required. Home equity loans provide the required cash.

Additionally, home equity loans are perfect for upgrading or making improvements to a real estate property. Other reasons may include building a cash reserve, starting a business, or paying for a child’s education expense.

Interest Rates on a Home Equity Loan

The most appealing feature of home equity loans are the low rates. Granted, the rate paid on an equity loan will be slightly higher than a first mortgage. Nevertheless, the interest rate is dramatically less than those for credit cards and other loans. Furthermore, home equity loans have short, fixed terms. If using the loan to consolidate debts, homeowners receive an estimated payoff time for their debts. On average, home equity loans can be repaid in as little as three to seven years. Here is a list of recommended Home Equity Lender online. It’s important to use a reputable lender online to make sure your personal information is secure.

Elizabeth

Tony Hodgison asked:




Before you can start choosing the right fixed rate home equity loan, it is important that you learn what these loans entail. Equity loans are secured loans that are taken out on primary residences or second homes to the degree of excess in fair market value over what is owed on the primary mortgage. The loans are unique types of mortgages that lenders offer to homeowners based on the equity amount in the home.

In other words, you can get money on your home’s equity from lenders up to a certain amount. The lender offers you a line of credit that you can use to make home improvements, take vacations, pay bills, or use any way you wish. The borrower pays money back to the lender, or banking institution, with interest.

Lenders offer the fixed rate home equity loan to homeowners and give them a checkbook. The checkbook can be used to write checks to pay off bills, or to use to make home improvements. Borrowers can use the money for anything they choose, but they are expected to repay the balance with interest on the amounts used.

In other words, lenders use homes as collateral in exchange for fixed rate home equity loan balances by which the borrower’s home used as collateral is secondary to the first mortgage. The home owner is offered a line of credit in exchange of home collateral.

Homeowners can take out a line of credit at 3.74% APR with good credit in amounts up to $75,000 through various programs currently being offered online. These allow homeowners to use their equity to lower their home energy costs, enjoy lower monthly installments, and save on taxes and interest while receiving a possible tax deduction. Other benefits may be offered as well.

You can use quote tools online to check out rates of current loans if you are thinking about taking out a home equity loan. Homeowners who owe less than $729,000 may qualify for the Home Affordable Programs. These programs assist homeowners with making their mortgage installments more affordable. The program works to help homeowners prevent such devastating financial situations as foreclosures.

Borrowers at risk may apply for the fixed rate loan if they have a first-lien loan or owner-occupied property that includes unpaid principal amounts up to $729,000. Before you venture into taking out the secondary loan, ensure that you learn all the details about equity lending and programs. You put your home at risk, yet you can get money to repay your debts. If you use the checkbook wisely, you can pay off higher interest credit cards and your primary home loan amount sooner.

Jose

Tab Pierce asked:




You might ask yourself: if a mortgage is for buying a house, why would some borrowers need a 125% home equity loan? A house costs, per definition, 100% of its value, so why the additional 25%? As a matter of fact, many borrowers need it, and even if many lenders don’t offer mortgage that high, it is still possible to find such deals.

125% home equity loans are intended principally for people who bought a house and need to renovate it. Or for borrowers who already have a first mortgage and want to consolidate some debt. Or for borrowers who have some unpredictable problem, like a medical bill or a broken car and just need more funds.

Lenders of 125% home equity loans use your home as collateral for a part of the loan and check thoroughly your income, since it is the guarantee of the other part of the payment. As in other form of loans, a good credit score is also essential.

One drawback of a 125% home equity loan is perhaps that it is almost impossible to get a prime rate for it. Due to this fact, most borrowers won’t use it as a first mortgage. Most borrowers will take an 80% to 90% mortgage as their first mortgage and, if needed, apply for a loan that reaches 125% of the appraised value of their home.

The terms of a 125% mortgage can be as long as of any other mortgage, with prime interest rate or not. It runs from a couple of years up to 30 years and even more in certain cases.

If you decided that you want a 125% mortgage than you normally need to show some proof of income, proof of home ownership, documents of your first mortgage and how much equity you already have in your home (that is value of home minus value of the mortgage). An appraisal is sometimes not necessary, if the appraisal for your first mortgage is less than 12 months old. Sometimes lenders use an algorithm to estimate the value of your home and lend based on this calculation. It is important to shop around not only for better interest rates, but also for better conditions.

The appeal of this kind of loans is its interest rates, which is normally lower than the interest rates of credit cards and consumer loans since they are secured against a home. Additionally, the interest that you have to pay on a home equity mortgage, no matter if it is for 80% or 125% of the value of the property, is mostly tax deductible (consult your tax advisor to know exactly if this applies to you).

If you are considering expanding your loan to consider a 125% home equity loan than take time to study and learn about it, going into this with full understanding will help you.

Stephanie

Aekkapol Kongvicheinwat asked:




Home equity loans have increased in the recent times. If a person decides not to refinance his first mortgage and instead wants to have cash out of debt consolidation, then companies are lending their helping hand by lowering the refinance cost and increasing their homes’ Equity. A home owner can borrow against the value of his house by two ways. One is called home equity line of credit and the other one is a home equity loan. Both are generally considered to be a second mortgage. While with the first one a person can draw amount up to a predetermined limit, whenever there is need for money. The other option provides for taking a lump sum by paying a fixed payment monthly over a period of time.

The amount drawn in each case will be based on several factors such as the income of the borrower, his debts if any, value of his home and his credit history. Both types of loans are appealing in their interest rates because they are secured against home. Often both these loans are tax deductible. Choosing either option depends on individual financial conditions. If a person needs to meet the expenses like college fees or medical bills, then Home Equity Line of Credit will best suit him. But both loans carry higher interest rates as compared to first mortgage.

With these loans, there are again two more options available. One is adjustable rate and the other is a fixed rate. And there will be closing costs which must be taken in to consideration. One can be free from any worry about increasing costs should interest rates rise. Home Equity Line of Credit provides lower initial rates as compared to loans. But there is a risk of more interest rate due to its fluctuating rates. But there are no closing costs for these loans. If a person gets tempted with the second type of loan, then he must be cautious as to not get in to more debt. Failing to repay will give way for the risk of losing his house.

To qualify for this credit, a person needs to provide proof of income, home ownership, and details about how much equity he has in his home. At least 20% of the value of the home must be paid off. An appraisal will help a lot.

Elaine

Tim Gorman asked:




Home Equity Loans

Unlike your first mortgage, you are already in the home, and usually time is not such a major factor. You can close the loan at your own leisure, and take your time researching the different options available to you. A mortgage lender will have a range of loans to suit you. Some homeowners opt to refinance an existing mortgage and use the cash obtained at closing to reduce debts.

Essentially, a home equity loan is a ‘second mortgage’ – a loan secured by your property. If you don’t make good on your payments, the lending company or bank can force the sale of your house to recover their money.

The money is paid back through an increased mortgage payment. Plus, it is an online application, not a paper application that has to be picked up and then turned back in to the bank or mortgage company. Search for quotes from top local mortgage companies based on your needs and choose the best broker to help you through the loan application process. Mortgage calculators help borrowers understand monthly payments and let you compare rates between multiple mortgage products nationwide.

Terms, rates, and fees are subject to change without notice, prior to closing your fixed-rate conversion. Certain restrictions and documentation requirements may apply.

Understanding the difference between home equity loans and home equity line of credit …

Line of Credit

And unlike a home equity loan, with a line of credit you pay interest only when you use your funds. You’re drawing on a home equity line of credit on which the interest meter is ticking, while at the same time the value of your emergency fund has fallen. No need to panic, of course. But because interest rates change constantly, what may have seemed like a good rate when you first purchased your home may be much higher than today’s rates. If you choose to refinance to take advantage of the new rates, you will have to take out a new mortgage with a lower rate or more favorable terms, and use it to pay off your old loan.

Interest is the largest single cost associated with most equity loans, but it is not the only expense borrowers face. Taking out a home-equity loan or a home-equity line of credit imposes the same fees as a mortgage . Interest rates for loans differ, so it pays to check with several lenders for the lowest rate. Compare the annual percentage rate (APR), which indicates the cost of credit on a yearly basis. Interest is charged on a predetermined variable rate, which is usually based on prevailing prime rates.

Interest rates on such loans are usually adjustable rather than fixed and lower than standard second mortgages or credit cards. Interest on both a home equity loan and line of credit may be deductible (consult your tax advisor about your personal situation). Interest rates, fees, repayment conditions, loan amount, and additional costs such as points can all vary. For example, a lender may charge an annual fee for using your home equity line of credit or even a larger fee if your credit line is inactive.

Interest rates on home equity loans are generally fixed for the loan period. On the other hand, the home equity line of credit provides more flexible terms of use. Interest paid on a home equity line of credit is normally tax deductible. Interest rates lately are near record lows. If you bought your home a few years ago you may well be able to refinance at a lower rate.

Travis

Tim Gorman asked:




Perhaps your credit is not what it used to be. There are teams of experts who specialize in bad credit home loans. You can apply online and their system will match you to lenders who can help. You can refinance your home equity loan for lower rates, just like with any other type of credit.

Improving your credit and shopping for rates ensures that you will get the best financial deal. With the proper preparation and counseling, even borrowers looking for home equity loans for people with bad credit history can avail of the best home improvement loans at very reasonable interest rates. It’s probably a good idea when going after a home equity loan for people with bad credit to talk to your banker and the lender who holds the first mortgage. This is just to get an idea of what’s available. Do not sign any papers at this time. For example, it is easier to qualify for a home equity loan with bad credit, and the money can be used for expenses such as home improvement or debt consolidation.

Mortgage lenders will review your credit report and credit score (yes, they are two separate things) to determine the amount they are comfortable lending you. So it’s wise to review your credit first, long before you complete your first mortgage application. To determine if the type of loan you are looking for is advantageous to you, the best course of action must be based on individual circumstances especially when looking for home equity loans for people with bad credit. Knowing what the current interest rate is, in comparison to the market interest rate, will allow for a comparison regarding how much might be saved. Is the rate on the current mortgage fixed or variable?

Have a heavy burden of debt? Think there’s no way of resolving your issue? Perhaps you are drowning in debt and would like to consolidate all of your debts with a debt consolidation loan. Or maybe your old clunker of a car is just not cutting the mustard and you figure that now is the time to upgrade to a new one. Seeking a home equity loans for people with bad credit requires that you start paying debt on time and in full since this has a positive impact on your credit score. Late payments, judgments and charge-offs have a negative impact. If you have bad or poor credit, go through our special bad credit loans articles, where you will find bad credit loan, bad credit personal loans, bad credit home loans, and debt consolidation information.

This will not only help you get your bad credit back on track, but also show you the different ways in which you can still get approved for home mortgage loans regardless of your poor credit history.

Alice

Gressly Stevens asked:




Are you looking for a home loan, but you are not sure which one is right for you? There are many different types of home loans and it can be very confusing to try to pick the best option for yourself. Here are 7 different types of home loans and what they should be used for.

The first one is the traditional purchase mortgage. This is a home loan you get to buy an existing home. Be careful not to do the 100% financing option because you will start with no equity and it will take you 10 years or so to build any real equity. You should always put at least 10% down.

The second type of home loan is a refinance loan. This is a loan that is used to get a lower rate, pay off debt against your home, or to add on to your home. This is a first mortgage that is usually between 80% and 90% of the value of your home. Make sure the benefits of your refinance out weighs the loan itself.

The third loan is the second mortgage. This is similar to a refinance, but can go up to 100% and sometime 125% of your home value. These are used in emergency situations, especially the 125% loan because the rate is much higher and you will be tying up all your equity.

The fourth different type of home loan is the construction loan. This is a loan that is used to start building a home. It has 4 stages of funding as the home is build and if you are not quite wealthy, then you are wasting your time building. It usually takes a new home around 10 years to appreciate to the value of the original construction loan.

The fifth type of loan is the first time home buyers loan. This is a purchase mortgage that is designed for anybody that is purchasing their first home.

The sixth type of loan is the home equity loan. This is similar to a second mortgage, but many times the rate is prime plus a percentage. These are good for people that just need a little bit of money.

The seventh different type of home loan is a line of credit. This is a revolving account that works much like a credit card only your home is the collateral. These are good for people with a business or with an addition to their home because if either one gets more expensive than planned for you can take out more money on your line of credit.

There you have it, seven different types of home loans. Now you just need to pick the right one for you and start applying.

Daniel

Milos Pesic asked:




If you are self employed you may be wondering if you can take out a home equity loan? The answer is that you can. In fact, it is a lot easier to do so today than in previous years since self employment is so common now. However, the process that you go through will be somewhat different than if you have an employer and W2 forms to submit as proof of income.

You might find that the regulations are a little tighter when applying for a home equity loan through a traditional lender such as a bank. For example, they might require that you have been self employed for 2 or even 3 years. They will want to see your tax returns for the years you have been self employed so they can get an overview of how stable your income is.

It is possible you can find it easier to work with a mortgage lender who specializes in home equity loans for the self employed. These types of lenders sometimes offer a ‘no proof of income’ loan which is very friendly towards those who are self employed. In this instance, you won’t have to worry about proving your income stability, but usually in order to compensate for that freedom, you will have to make other concessions. For example if it is a first mortgage, you will likely have to put up a large down payment, and for home equity loans, you will probably not be able to borrow 100% of your equity.

It is important as a self employed individual that you keep good records of your business. Those records will come in handy at times like when you are applying for a home equity loan. The more thoroughly you are documented, the less risky you seem to be and therefore more banks will be willing to take a chance on loaning you money. It could also mean that your loan will have a lower interest rate if you are not considered a high risk.

One thing is for certain, self employed home equity loans are not uncommon today. Self employment is at an all time high and financial institutions are aware of this fact and have special programs and regulations in place to serve this group of borrowers.

Just remember to follow the guidelines of responsible borrowing whether you are self employed or not. Don’t borrow more than you can comfortably afford to repay, shop around for the lowest rate and be sure to understand the terms before you sign. With a little work and attention to detail in your record keeping, you will likely find that in today’s world it is easy to qualify for a home equity loan if you are self employed.

Joy

Joseph Kenny asked:




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.

Kim

Alan Lim asked:


You may have heard the term home equity loan but are not really sure whether this type of loan will work for you. The first step is to understand the concept of home equity. Equity is the difference between the current appraised value of your home and the amount that is owed on the home. So, for example; if your home has recently appraised for $200,000 and you only owe $100,000 on it then you have $100,000 in equity in your home.

Many homeowners like the idea of taking out a home equity loan when they need to fund a home improvement or make some other type of purchase because they can often obtain the money they need at an interest rate that is lower than charging it to a credit card. In addition, there are also possible tax advantages as well.

When you take out a home equity loan you are taking out a second mortgage that gives you the ability to convert the equity in your home into cash. You can then spend that cash on any number of expenses including college education, medical expenses, debt consolidation, home improvements and much more.

You will generally need to decide whether you wish to take out a home equity loan or a home equity line of credit. These two terms are different. A home equity loan provides you with a one time lump sum of money that you will then pay off over a specified period of time at an interest rate that is fixed. It is much like your first mortgage.

A home equity line of credit, commonly referred to as HELOC, is more similar to a credit card. Instead of receiving the sum of money at one time, you will then have the ability to borrow up to a specified amount of money for the duration of the loan. That time period is set by the lender. As you pay off the principal amount of the loan, you can once again use the credit. In this regard, a HELOC is much like a credit card.

There are advantages to both a home equity loan as well as a HELOC. Many homeowners prefer the flexibility of a line of credit over a fixed rate equity loan. If they do not need all of the money up front, they are able to maintain control over how much money they draw down from the loan. The disadvantage to a line of credit is that it frequently features an interest rate that is variable. This means that the payment amounts will vary based on the prevailing interest rate.

In most cases, the draw period for a line of credit is between five and ten years while the repayment period ranges between ten and fifteen years. You will usually be able to access the funds of a line of credit with a credit card, check or electronic transfer that can be ordered by phone. Typically, an initial advance is required when the loan is set up.



MOHAMMAD