Home Equity Loans – second mortgage

E.S. Cromwell asked:




In the world of home equity loans there are undeniably two sides to deal with – those with benefits and those with risks. Through tapping into home equity values, fortunes have been made and loses have also been tallied. Digging into one’s home equity is thus a daring and uncertain motion. Whether taking from one’s home equity is due to household financial reasons, personal business desires or investing pursuits know that there are of course benefits, but also, weighted risks involved.

Notice: Home Equity Loans Are Not Without Risk

Typically, when any type of loan is taken out the individual taking out that loan should be aware of the risks involved. In the case of home equity loans, this same notion carries over, specifically for interest-only home equity lines of credit or what are commonly known as interest-only HELOCs. These types of loans are of a great advantage to individuals looking for some serious funding. HELOCs offer home owners a substantial amount of funds all at a fair rate. Yet, these types of loans aren’t completely fool proof – they do have risks.

First, Consider The Benefits Attached to HELOCs

Home equity lines of credit are, on some level, quite similar to credit cards. Thus, what occurs when you get a HELOC is a bit akin to what happens with you get a credit card. A credit limit is given to you and you can take funds from it as needed or as seen fit. And the only interest paid here is on the amount of money you actually use or borrow. The only difference here between a HELOC and a credit card is that credit cards are unsecured, whereas money in a HELOC is secured in and against the equity value built up in your home.

Another benefit exists in the fact that if you are unhappy with your already reasonable HELOC rate that many lenders or banks will actually allow you to convert over to a fixed-rate HELOC; this is of course only possible if you feel the variable rate has inflated a bit. Better still, since these loans are interest-only types, payments are allowed to be focused toward only the interest for a specified length of time, ranging anywhere from the first five to ten years of the loan’s life.

Benefits Are Initially Yours, But What Comes Afterward?

Once the start up and introductory periods are over a few things change. Your lender will up the amount due on your required payments, making loan payments rise and forcing you to initiate the paying off the substance of the loan’s principal.

This said, it’s essential that you know ahead of time -being before you apply for and get an interest-only HELOC- that you’ll be able to afford the newly increased payment amounts once they’re put forth. If you’re using wishful thinking and banking on acquiring extra money (enough to satisfy the inflated payments) down the line then you shouldn’t get a HELOC. Work within your budget and map out your financial future making sure that paying them from beginning to end is within your realistic means. If you don’t prepare ahead of time and jump right in, it’s quite possible to fall behind on making mortgage payments, which could in effect, smudge your credit and worse case, lead you to forfeit your home entirely.

Alex

Mary Wise asked:




You may have taken out a home equity line of credit to help you cover the expenses of life – anything from adding an additional bedroom to your home to putting your twins through four years of grad school. But if you suddenly received a letter stating that your home equity line of credit has been frozen, you are probably wondering where to turn next.

Most home equity credit lines bear the stipulation that the creditor can freeze your line under situations that are outlined in Regulation Z, under the Federal Reserve Board’s codes. For many home equity lenders, this is interpreted as being able to shut you off from your available line of home equity credit if market conditions in your area make the value of your home decline, or if your income has been reduced to where they feel you are at great risk of defaulting on payment to them for credit already extended.

Get Around Regulation Z

You have several options. You can argue with your lender to attempt to persuade them to reinstate your credit line. You can back up your argument by pointing out your good payment history (if payments have come due under your agreement); or by listing homes in the area that have recently sold at or above market value. Discussing the freeze with customer service for your lender has a small, but not impossible, chance of getting your credit line unfrozen.

Your best option is to vote with your feet by choosing a different lender. True, you may have to pay additional closing costs over what you have already paid for your current, now-useless credit line, but you can switch lenders.

In fact, there are online lenders who deal very effectively with taking on borrowers who have had a frozen credit line. With less strict stipulations regarding market values, these lenders can refinance your current line while making the additional credit you need available to you.

Apply Online For the Credit Line You Need

To apply, you will need to gather all the information pertinent to your current home equity line of credit. Visit the lender’s secure online site where you can begin the application process. You will be asked to verify certain things – like your income, employment, etc. Most of the needed documentation can be either emailed or faxed to the new lender.

As with a your original home equity line of credit, your new credit line will allow you to use your home equity line of credit for up to twenty five years. At the end of that period, you will have the opportunity to renew your credit line, or begin repayment. Oftentimes, you can pay during the time that your home equity line of credit is open; this greatly reduces the amount that you will owe at the end of the term.

If you have had your home equity credit line frozen, voting with your feet by choosing a new lender can not only make a bold statement to the lender that you have other options, but can also save you money by the possibility of getting better rates online.

Franklin

Greg Smith asked:


Home equity is the value that your home has due to the payments that you have made on your mortgage. A home equity loan will enable you to borrow money using the equity that your home has as the collateral. It can be confusing to deal with all these terms but the reality of the situation is that you have to arm yourself with the knowledge of these terms. It is important to learn the definitions and understand what they mean when you are thinking of sourcing a home equity loan.

One of the first terms is collateral. This is the property or asset that is put as the guarantee that you will repay your debt. If this debt is not repaid then the lender is able to take the asset and use it to attain their money. With home equity loans the asset on the line is your home and you can be forced to move out of the home and lose the home if you default on the loan. The equity simply of your home is calculated simply as the difference between the worth of the home and the amount you owe on the mortgage.

You can use a home equity loan, which is a second mortgage to turn equity into cash, and this money is made available to spend on many items such as debt consolidation, home improvements, college or any other expense that you may have. There are in reality two main types of home equity debt. These are known as home equity loans which we mentioned previously and home equity lines of credit. These are often confused but they are not identical even though they are both secured by your property.

The typical home equity loan or line of credit is repaid in shorter times than mortgages. They are set up to run 15 years rather than 30 years but can be significantly shorter or longer depending. A home equity loan is a lump sum that is paid off over a set period. This is at a fixed interest and steady installment per month. This is one time and you cannot borrow again. The home equity line of credit operates a lot differently. There is a revolving balance that lets you borrow a certain amount for the duration of the loan or other set time limit. You withdraw as you need and pay off the principal and reuse.

There are various benefits and disadvantages of these two but this really depends on your unique situation. While there is more flexibility with the home equity line of credit there can also be some downsides due to the fluctuating interest. The home equity loan also has its disadvantages as it is possible to pay only interest and not principal and remain in debt. Whichever you opt for you must be aware of all the possibilities and how to avoid the downfalls. This can help you use either to your advantage and assist in keeping you away from the possibility of losing your home.



OTTO

Joseph Kenny asked:


When you are looking for the cash you need to fix up your home, a home equity line of credit (HELOC) may be just the thing for you. This would be especially true if you have a project in mind but are not sure what it may cost. A HELOC could be just the solution you are looking for – because it offers you cash with different options than a traditional mortgage. Here are some of the benefits.

A home equity line of credit is to be considered as a second mortgage. After you fill out the paperwork, and the lender looks over your credit report and your ability to repay the loan, you will be given a credit limit. This means that an account is set up for you, and you will be given access to it either with a credit card or with checks. This way, you can draw out the money as you need it, and only as much as you need.

A home equity line of credit is usually based on a 25 or 30-year time frame. There is a draw period and a payment period. The draw period could be up to 11 years, and the rest of the time period is used for repayment.

You only pay interest on the amount that you draw out. This is an excellent way to save some money, because you still have access to more if you do need it. During the draw period, you will be paying interest – adjustable rate, on the amount of money you have taken out. The interest rate does not amortize the loan in any way – since you are only paying interest.

At the end of the draw period, however, the amortization period starts. Your payments will be calculated on how much you have withdrawn and your payments will be determined at that time. These payments will fully amortize the loan within the time remaining – most of the time. Some lenders do not calculate the payments to fully amortize the loan. Obviously, you will need to watch for this before you sign the agreement.

Home equity lines of credit can come with a number of repayment options. These range from balloon payments at the end of the draw period, to simply monthly payments for the rest of the term. Other options that may be included is the possibility of renewability. Some lenders give this option for those who want an ongoing line of credit.

Before you sign up for a home equity line of credit, though, be sure to compare a number of quotes first. A home equity line of credit may have monthly fees, annual fees, and more, so be sure you know about them all first. By comparing several plans, you can find the one that will be the least expensive, have the lowest rate of interest, and will be the best for you.



MELVIN

justin narin asked:


Second mortgage home loan scams are especially prevalent during housing booms when equity is growing at a record pace and homeowners regularly refinance or take out home equity loans or home equity lines of credit. Although most reputable lenders return to reasonable loans when a housing boom ends, predatory lenders are still out there. If you’re looking for a second mortgage, watch out for these scams.

Popular Second Mortgage Home Loan Scams

Scammers create new tricks every day, but these are the most common tactics you’ll encounter and tips to avoid them.

Loan Flipping

Once your second mortgage loan is complete, a disreputable lender will encourage you to repeatedly refinance your loan each time a lower rate is available. Each refinancing comes with hefty fees that erase your potential savings. Tip: Always determine the potential costs and savings before refinancing. Don’t let a lender pressure you into refinancing in order to get a great deal that will vanish tomorrow.

Abusive Loan Servicing

Some predatory lenders don’t strike until the loan is closed. Once the loan is complete, you receive letters from the lender claiming you owe additional taxes or fees that you paid directly. They may also charge late fees even though your payments are on time. Tip: If you’re being asked to pay something you don’t owe, send the lender a letter with proof of payment.

Insurance Packing

Your lender encourages you to buy additional voluntary credit insurance and bundle it into your second mortgage payments. Tip: Don’t accept this insurance with the loan. If you’re interested in it, buy it separately.

Altering Loan Documents After the Fact

The FTC has charged several predatory lenders with fraudulently changing loan documents after the fact. Tip: Never sign documents you haven’t read or sign them under pressure. If there is a blank space, draw a line through it and initial it. Always get a copy of all loan documents you signed before leaving the office.

Deceptive Home Improvement Loan

A contractor may knock on your door and offer to do home repairs. To help you pay for it, he’ll even arrange the financing. The financing is usually a high-interest home equity loan with poor terms, but the contractor threatens to stop the work if you don’t sign. Once you sign, the contractor fails to complete the project or the work is shoddy. Tip: Before deciding to do home repairs, interview several contractors, review estimates and references, and arrange the financing yourself.

Demanding Your Deed

Default filings are public records. If you receive calls from lenders following a notice of default, be very cautious. Scammers will offer to save you from foreclosure with a new loan, but demand you sign the deed over to them before the financing is arranged. The “lender” can evict you, sell your house, or borrow against it, leaving you without a home. Tip: If you receive a notice of default, contact your lender about refinancing or contact alternative lenders after careful research.

Equity Stripping

If you’ve experienced financial difficulties, but have built up substantial equity, the predatory lender encourages you to lie about your income on the second mortgage application in order to qualify for a larger loan than you can afford to pay. Once you default, the lender forecloses, leaving you with nothing, but they can sell your house and earn a profit. Tip: Never borrow more than you afford to repay and never lie on a loan application.

What to Do if You’ve Been A Victim of a Scam If you’ve fallen victim to one of these home loan scams, you can get help before you lose your home.

If your loan has additional insurance included in it, try to cancel it. If interest rates are lower, it may be worthwhile to refinance to a new second mortgage without the insurance.

If your contractor fails to complete the work or completes it poorly, report him to your state’s contractor licensing agency. You may also be able to sue him. Contact a reputable lender to refinance the high-interest loan.

For all other scams, first contact a lawyer to determine your rights and recourse. Second, file a complaint with Consumer Protection Bureau of the FTC. Although the FTC doesn’t resolve individual complaints, they can take action if a record of abuse can be proven.

For more articles and suggestions, visit http://www.bills.com/second-mortgage/



DEVIN

Jim_Bob_Waye asked:


Someone still needs to explain to me why I or any other taxpayer should bail out a homeowner that was able to purchase a house they couldn’t afford in the first place. The fact is is that the vintages of mortgage loans primarily impacted (late 05, and 06, 07) are subprime with little/no documentation of income (read in–they did not have enough to support the payments after the teaser rate ended and should have known it), home equity lines of credit (read in–they lived beyond their means), and second mortgages (see preceding comment). In many cases, these were speculative investments where the investor/homeowner thought they could flip the house. And I (as a taxpayer), who purchased only that amount of property that I could afford and got a loan commensurate with that thought process should pay for those who should never have been in that house in the first place? Note that I don’t even have a house–I have a condo, but I’m supposed to pay for someone else to have a house they shouldn’t?
I asked this question to get other perspectives. Tony, you raise an interesting point about those who bought houses for their families at the then-current market price and got screwed by all the speculators. Theoretically, they could have rented for the time being due to the exorbitant prices, but that assumes they knew the bubble would pop. Since buying a house is a huge investment, do you think all buyers should have educated themselves and avoided buying in a bubble? Or do you think this is entirely impractical? Being in the business, you might have a better idea than I. Thanks for your input.
Nuff, your point concerning redistribution of wealth via tax rebates is interesting. I’m glad you mentioned that. Do you have a reference for the 56 trillion #?
Rush The Band & Stage Dive,

There are talks going on right now about the degree of intervention, if any, the government should pursue. Paulson seems to be right on expressing educated views rather than “speculation.” (Wouldn’t it be ironic to fix a problem caused by excessive speculation with yet more speculation?)

“‘While some in Washington are proposing big interventions, most of the proposals I’ve seen would do more harm than good,’ the secretary said in remarks prepared for delivery to the Economic Club of Chicago, according to The Associated Press. ‘If borrowers aren’t willing to ask for help or respond to efforts to reach them, there is only so much that others can or should do on their behalf.’

The speech was expected to reiterate points that Mr. Paulson made in an interview published Thursday in The Wall Street Journal. Too many of the aid proposals circulating in Washington are ‘bailouts’ designed to help the reckless, he told The Journal.” [1]
[1] http://www.nytimes.com/
2008/02/28/business/
28cnd-econ.html?hp

Thank you all for your inputs. I like Yahoo Answers for collecting other perspectives to balance out my views.
Metallic,

Too few people realize the importance of feedback. We train animals by how we respond to their various activities (if I understand correctly: otherwise, correct me here). People aren’t so different from my observations. Are responses to the actions of others are FAR more important than our words of caution (lol). If we reward (and it is a reward as far as feedback is concerned) their excessive speculation, they will learn that future speculations will be similarly bailed out. For daddy to bail out spoiled little junior only reassured him that he can be as immature as he wants ‘cuz he’ll always be bailed out. The end result is much more speculation. Rather than sheltering whoever these people are (and that’s a question I’d like to see answered), perhaps they should learn their lessons rather than having big brother reinforce their behavior. I agree with your point completely. Thank you.
oops: “Our responses…” (tired)
re-oops: “only reassures”
(no preview option for additional details)
Re: national debt (net)

5.2 – 5.5 trillion held by the public [2, 3]

[2] http://www.treasurydirect.gov/
NP/BPDLogin?application=np
[3]

http://zfacts.com/p/461.html

GLEN

Johns Tiel asked:


The home equity loans are good for one time large monetary plans. The borrower in these loans can use the equity of their home as collateral for getting the required money. Not only the good credit holders, a special type of loan has been made for the bad credit holders too and these are known as the bad credit home equity loans.

Large monetary requirements like buying a car, repairing your house, paying large debts off or paying huge medical bills can be handled with these loans. It offers an amount ranging from £5,000 to £125,000 with a repayment term of 5 to 15 years. For getting this loan amount you must place the equity of your home as collateral. The value of the collateral decides the loan amount in it. So, you may find some lenders that are willing to offer 100 percent of the home’s value.

This equity is decided by finding out the difference between the market value of a home and the value to be repaid. This can be explained with an example- suppose; you have bought a home for £ 100,000 two years ago and have repaid £25,000 to the lender till now. If the market price of that house has now risen to £150,000 then the home equity will be the difference between the money left to pay the lender and the present market price, i.e., £75,000. This home equity, you have to keep as collateral for getting these loans.

These are also said to be the second mortgage as the collateral offered here is the equity of a property. The repayment term too is shorter than the first loan.

Home equity lines of credit are certain kind of loan that holds the greatest advantage of lower interest rates. Tax benefit is another reason for which people mostly prefers to go for these. Thus, the bad credit home equity loans are of good help and use to the borrowers with bad history. CCJs, arrears, late payment, defaults and bankruptcy are allowed here.



JOHNNIE