Home Equity Loans - second mortgage

Susan Willis asked:




Having an even 3-point better interest rate on your home equity loan can save you over $1,000 in annual debt payments (on a loan of $50,000). Here are 4 tips for getting the best-possible home equity loan rates.

Tip #1: Pull your credit report: Even though your loan will be lent against the equity in your home as collateral, the rate for which you are eligible is still based largely upon your credit score. If you have not pulled your credit score in months or years, go ahead and do so now. You can get a free copy of your report at the Federal Trade Commission-authorized Web site.

Tip #2: Polish your credit score: If you have poor or fair credit, improving your credit score just 50 points or so can save you $1,000 or more in annual home equity loan payments. While an applicant with good credit might have a rate of 1/2 point below prime, someone with fair or poor credit might pay 1 to 5 points over the prime rate. Bonus: borrowers with better credit can often avoid application or appraisal fees as well, which can add up to significant savings.

Tip #3: Consider a home equity line of credit as an alternative: Before you apply for a home equity loan, consider a home equity line of credit as well. This is a great option if you are not sure exactly how much you will be borrowing over the next couple of years. The potential risk factor is that the rate is not fixed and as it is usually tied to the prime rate.

Tip #4: Compare rates: Once your credit score is in tip-top shape and you have decided that a home equity loan is your best option for securing cash, I suggest starting with your current mortgage lender to find out their best rate. Then, use that as a point of comparison and go online to shop for rates. There are a number Web sites that allow you to compare rates. Before selecting a loan on a given site, be sure to read the fine print about associated costs and fees.

For homeowners, a home equity loan can be a great way to secure cash. To get the best rate, be sure to check and then improve your credit score. Once you have decided that the timing is right to apply for a loan, shop for rates on any credible Web site that will allow you to compare among multiple lenders. And, be sure to read the fine print before signing on the dotted line.

Jessie

George Kane asked:


Your home is a source of lower rate borrowings but equity in it enables in taking cheaper loan that is seldom a burden to repay. Home equity loans are known for their low rate of interest. The loan also is loaded with many other advantages for borrowers.

Home equity loans are based on equity in home. These are secured loans, often called second mortgage as these loans are approved against equity with home being collateral. The lender approves an amount that is almost equal to equity in home and therefore lenders feel safer in providing it. In case payment default occurs, lenders still gets back the loan by selling home that is provided by the borrower as collateral. Because Home Equity Loans are safer for lenders, they approve it at low rate of interest. The rate of interest goes even lower than on simple secured loans.

On taking home equity loans, you release equity in your home. Over the years, your home value has substantially increased and also you have paid off a good part of loans against home. This means the equity in home has substantially gone up. Home equity loans enable you release equity and you get extra cash. You can use this cash or the loan amount for home improvements, wedding, making down payments for car buying, going to holiday tour, debt consolidation etc.

Bad credit borrowers are also at ease in taking home equity loans as lenders have little risks. So if you have late payments, arrears, payment defaults, CCJs or IVAs in your names the loan is available with ease. Compare lenders for a suitable deal. Online lenders should be preferred in taking home equity loans for a low rate of interest. Pay off the loan in time for improving your credit score.



LOUIE