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

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

Julian Lim asked:


  

A home equity loan or home equity mortgage is an effective second mortgage on your home, taken out after you have developed some equity in your home. For example, if you purchase a home for $200,000 and you have paid $40,000 over the years against the loan principal and the market value for the home is now $250,000, you now have equity in the home of $90,000.  Theoretically, you could apply for a $90,000 loan against the equity, but in practice, most lenders prefer to keep the loan at 80% loan to value or, in this case $187,500.  In this example, a loan for $27,500 could be approved.

 

Definitions

 

Some of the definitions that you will need to be familiar with include equity, mortgage, interest rate, loan fees, loan type, principal and amortization.  If you don’t understand the meaning of these words and others insist on an explanation from the loan broker or lender.  You can also do the research yourself so that you are certain you understand the difference between an ARM and a fixed rate loan and why you should choose one or the other, depending upon your circumstances. There are some very good primer level books and classes on almost any subject you can name out on the internet including that of a home equity loan.

 

Terms

 

In the case of a home equity mortgage, the word ‘terms’ can mean ‘words’ or it can mean the length of time before the loan is paid off.  A loan against the equity of your home often will have a longer term than a personal loan.  You may see terms of 15 years, 20 years, even 30 or 40 year terms on the loan.  Of course, the longer the term, the more money in interest you will be charged and the larger the percentage of funds you pay are for the privilege of using the money rather than for the money itself.

 

Rates

 

The home equity loan rates are also called interest rate or interest. Interest rates are usually structured in one of two ways, although there are other types of loans as well.  The fixed rate loans set an interest rate up front and it remains in effect throughout the term of the loan.  The adjustable rate mortgage loan has an interest rate that will vary according to a predetermined index or formula.  For example the rate may be two point above prime rate, adjustable not more than twice every two years.  These requirements will vary depending upon the economy of the time.

 

Advantages and Disadvantages

 

A home equity loan or home equity mortgage has the advantage of being a lump sum of money that you can use in any way you see fit–presumably legal.  It has the disadvantage of increasing your debt loan and increasing the cost of money sometimes significantly. For example taking out was is actually a second mortgage on your home may raise your debt to value level to the point where private mortgage insurance is mandated by many lenders.  This can add thousands of dollars to the repayment amount over the years.

 



GIOVANNI