Home Equity Loans – second mortgage

Ladybug asked:


I checked out the loan and the interest is not too bad giving that this is a second mortgage that gives money for repairs and pay offs. The only thing I see is that it eats up all the equity and we will need to live in our home for at least 15 years before trying to sell…so that alone is the biggest decision. I am just wondering if there is anything else I should be looking for???
Thank you for the advice. The rate is 9.5% Fixed for 15 or 20 years. There is no pre payment penalty.

QUINCY

Ajeet Khurana asked:


It is almost as if lenders are really keen to advance home equity loans. Don’t know what this is? Don’t worry, you are not the only home owner out there that has had to stop and ask exactly what a home equity loan is.

These loans have actually become more common over the last 20 years or so. But if you have never needed one before there is no reason for you to know all of the logistics.

Understanding the Home Equity Loan

A home equity loan is a tool to release the embedded equity in your owned home. Another way to look at it is that the homeowner uses the equity in his or her home as collateral. These loans are often taken out by homeowners that need to finance home repairs or remodeling, pay for unexpected medical bills, or even to pay for higher education.

Basically what this type of loan does is create a lien against the home and until it is paid off the actual equity in the home is reduced by the loan amount.

There are several conditions that a borrower must satisfy before they become eligible for a home owner loan. These loans are reserved for those that are and have been in good standing with their mortgage company and also have excellent credit histories. The home equity loan is essentially a second mortgage because they are secured with the value of the home just as a first mortgage is.

Most of the time these loans are not as long term as a first mortgage, meaning they will need to be paid off before the first loan.

Fundamentally, loans on your home’s equity are of two categories: open end home equity loans and closed end home equity loans. Open end home equity loans are those that are referred to as a line of credit. With this type of loan the borrower can determine when and how they would like to borrow against the equity in the home.

These loans usually allow for the borrower to borrow 100% of the value of the home and can be made available for up to 30 years with a variable interest rate.

On the other hand you, the borrower, can get a fixed amount at the very first instance with the use of a close-ended loan. The amount that is given is figured by determining the value of the home, the income of the borrower, as well as the credit history. There can be different tenures, but 15 years is a common tenure for a close ended loan.

Just because you can potentially get a loan on the equity of your home does not make it a good idea. Many times homeowners are able to secure a better interest rate on this type of loan than they are on a personal loan, making this a more affordable loan option. Lenders find it standard operating practice, but borrowers call is “hidden fees.” So make you understand the complete deal before getting a loan.



STEFAN

Johan Jeuring asked:


The needs that demand larger money can be made easier with the home equity loan. Home equity loan helps the homeowner to renovate his home or meet the expenses of son’s wedding etc. with easy financing option.

Home Equity Loan are secured against the equity of your home means borrower uses equity in their home as collateral. These loans are helpful in financing the major home repairs, medical bills, education expenses, wedding expenses or holidaying.

The term home equity defines the market value of borrower’s home after deduction of the debts which are taken on behalf of borrower’s home.

The home equity loans is secured against the home of the borrower so homeowners with bad credit history like CCJ’s and IVA, defaults, arrears and bankruptcy can also apply for home equity loans.

The amount against the home equity loans is depended upon the equity of the home i.e. lender check the previous debt on home equity if taken and then compares it with the market value of the home that is put as a collateral. If the value is more than the debts then he offers home equity loan. But if the value of home is lesser than debts then also borrower can avail larger amount i.e. by clearing off debts or by increasing the value of your home through home improvements or renovation

The interest rate charged on the home equity loans is higher if the loan is taken for shorter duration whereas interest rate goes down when taken for longer duration. Usually, home equity loan can be availed for repayment duration up to 30 years.

Borrower can avail home equity loan at cheaper rates especially if they opt for online mode. As online loan market is flooded away with the online lenders that are ready to provide the home equity loan at the cheaper rates.

While considering the home equity loan, borrower must make sure that they are paid back in time so that you avoid falling into worse situation.



ABE

Dave Badge asked:


Chicago home equity loans are the type of loans where the borrower uses the equity in his Chicago home as collateral. You can lose the home and be forced to move out if you don’t repay the debt. Such loans are often used by families in need of financing help to make major home repairs, pay medical bills or college tuitions. Chicago home equity loans create a lien against the borrower’s house. Equity is the difference between how much the home is worth and how much you owe on the mortgage (or mortgages, if you have more than one on the property). Such loans require an excellent credit score and reasonable loan-to-value ratios. An individual can apply for an equity loan, no matter the type of home he has. It can be a condo, house, apartment, or townhouse.

The maximum amount that you can borrow through a home equity loan depends on your credit score, monthly income, and the appraised value of the collateral, among others. It is possible to borrow up to 100% of the appraised value of the home. Chicago home equity loans can be of two types, closed- and open-end. Closed-end home equity loans generally have fixed rates and can be amortized for periods usually up to 15 years. The open-end loans, also known as HELOC (home equity line of credit) loans, are at a variable interest rate, but here the borrower chooses when and how often to borrow against the equity of the property, with the lender setting an initial limit to the credit line.

But when comparing the two, keep in mind that you cannot simply compare the Annual Percentage Rate (APR) for a loan with the APR for a home equity loan because the APRs are figured differently. The APR for a regular loan takes into account the interest rate charged plus points and other finance charges. The APR for a home equity line is based on the periodic interest rate alone. It does not include points or other charges.

Here are the steps you should follow when considering a home equity loan in Chicago:

1) Check your options – home equity loans are not the only method of financing. Remember, if you decide to get a home equity loan and can’t make the payments, the lender may foreclose and you would lose your home.

2) Do the research – if you are keen on getting such a loan, then talk with several lenders, including at least one bank or credit union in your community. Compare their offers. Comparing loan plans can help you get a better deal. Beware of loan terms and conditions that may mean higher costs for you. Keep in mind the following parameters:

-Can you afford the interest rate and monthly payments?

-The period of the loan, or how long you have to pay it back

-Check the penalties for late or missed payments

3) Double check – think twice before signing the contract. Have an attorney review the loan papers and make sure the terms are the same ones you agreed on.



HANS

Jesper Jensen asked:


What are the benefits of a home equity loan? The major benefits are that a home equity loan is a very useful loan when in need of financing significant home repairs, medical bills, etc. Furthermore, home equity loans, typically, have a lover interest rate; they are easier to qualify for when having a bad credit; and, finally, payments may be tax deductible.

A home equity loan, with the acronym HEL, allows homeowners to borrow money by using the equity in their home as collateral, i.e. the homeowner’s pledge of property to lender, to secure repayment of the loan. Thus, the home equity loan creates a lien, a security interest granted over the borrower’s house, and reduces actual home equity. It is common that home equity loans are second position liens, but it is possible that they can be held in first or third position.

Lenders tend to be more liberal in terms of home equity loans, because they consider that these loans are relatively safe. If you default on your loan, you cannot disappear with your property and, consequently, the lender can recollect the collateral. Besides, it is a common fact that homeowners are likely to prioritize payments, when their homes are at stake.

Generally, borrowers use the home equity loan when faced with some of life’s larger expenses due to the fact that houses have a significant value to borrow against; so, whether you want to consolidate high-interest debts, renovate or redecorate your home or finance your children’s education, then a home equity loan may result very attractive.

However, you should be aware of the risks that are associated with the home equity loans. Most importantly, you can lose your house if you fail to fulfill the payments required by the loan. It should also be stressed that you have to be aware of scammers; be sure you can trust your entity.

If you are interested in home equity loans, you should try to find the best loan at your disposal, because you will be able to save a significant amount of money. Try different banks, brokers; ask your personal network if they have any recommendations and be sure to compare the different offers that you receive.



ERNEST

Albert Alexander asked:


Home equity loans are sometimes used for consolidating consumer debt or covering a large expense such as a wedding, college expenses, or home repairs to your existing home. Home equity loans are great in that they use the collateral already invested in your home to secure the loan, allowing you to get a better rate out of the deal and make smaller payments than you would to a credit card or even on a personal loan. Home equity loans are desirable to borrowers because they oftentimes have a lower interest rate, they are easier to qualify for even if you have bad credit and your monthly payments on a home equity loan may be tax deductible.

In the past, home equity loans were more often than not used for home upgrades that would raise the value of your home. Nevertheless, these loans have become a feasible option for large, non-home improvement related purchases or even for consolidating outstanding debts into one monthly payment at an affordable interest rate. Even as home equity loans are a great means to release extra cash which is tied up in your home, borrowers must be fully aware that they are using their home as collateral. If a situation arises and their loan requirements aren’t met, they could lose their house.

Lenders consider several factors such as your credit history, ability to repay the loan, and your homes equity (noted above) when deciding how much money to lend. Although the chances of your approving for an equity loan may increase, you’re not going to get a complete pass on the “process”. Lenders will still have to review the credit history of potential borrowers to settle on their credit worthiness. Lenders will still have to review the credit history of potential borrowers to settle on their credit worthiness. Lenders will still have to review the credit history of potential borrowers to settle on their credit worthiness.

So how much can you get? The amount of your loan is tied to the equity in your home with is simply determined by subtracting the amount owed on the home from the current market value. Equity loans enable homeowners to borrow money against their home’s calculated value. The “equity” merely refers to the cash value that has grown in your house because you have been making your monthly payments over time.

Equity loans, secured by real estate, are normally deemed safer by lenders. Because of this your interest rates are likely lower than credit card rates or even consumer loans. Additionally, regardless of the rate, the interest on debt secured by the mortgage or lien on your personal residence is commonly tax-deductible. Please consult your accountant for more detailed information. Home equity loans are, essentially, fixed rate home loans that enable you to take advantage of the money you’ve already invested in your home to finance larger debts at a lower interest rate than most revolving credit options. Home equity lending, often referred to as a second mortgage or borrowing against your existing home, can open up a lot of avenues as a funding source for a current homeowner..

When all is said and done, home equity loans are a great option if you are confident in your ability to pay them off. Because they normally have a lower interest rate, are less difficult to qualify for (even with poor credit) and the interest may be tax deductible, home equity loans are a great alternative for homeowners. Like anything else however, buyer beware. Less reputable lenders frequently target people in vulnerable circumstances with troubled credit by suggesting what appears to be an easy solution. Hidden fees and confusing rate calculations can make a bad situation get worse.



RUBEN