It is true that homeowners often have the upper hand when it comes to obtaining finance. Sometimes, not even a good credit score and a good credit history is needed to get a loan with fairly good terms, specially if you are using your home as a security for this loan. Nearly any type of finance is available for homeowners, the terms will depend on the applicant’s credit rating, but it will still finance available for those seeking it. The tricky part will usually be choosing the appropriate loan according to your particular situation.
If you are needing funding I am sure you must be having a hard time deciding on what type of loan is best for you. Doing research on all of the available loan options can be very tiring and can take up a lot of time, specially if you do not have a clear idea of what you want yet, but it will be extremely worth it. Choosing the correct loan type will be the first step towards a successful loan process which will hopefully not only improve your credit but also provide you with the money you are in need of.
Here is some crucial information on a particular loan type you should look into: the home equity line of credit. Read on!
Home Equity Lines Of Credit: The Basics
Being a homeowner, you might be very familiar with the term “equity” and with what it entails. If not, I will highly recommend you do a thorough research on this topic before reading this article, or any other article for that matter. But specially before you apply for finance.
Going what to what concerns us, I will briefly explain the basics on home equity lines of credit. This type of loan offers borrowers the great terms of a home equity loan plus the flexibility of a revolving credit account. The borrower will be able to withdraw as much money as he needs without going over the established limit and once he repays it, he will be able to withdraw money again. Someone taking out this type of loan will be able to put the borrowed money to any use as there are no known restrictions related to this topic.
Usual terms on equity lines of credit vary depending on each particular lender and on the credit situation of each borrower, but they are usually very favorable. The interest rate the consumer pays on this loan depends exclusively on the withdrawn amount and it is generally tax deductible, this feature poses a major advantage over other loan types.
When Not To Resort To Equity Lines Of Credit
As fantastic as this financial product might be, sometimes it is just not the answer to your prayers. There are some particular situations which could best be resolved by other means.
* Consolidate credit card debt: if you are thinking of using the money you withdraw from your HELOC for this purpose, you had better think twice. It might be possible for you to transfer the balance on your existing credit card to a 0% interest rate card and thus obtain more benefits.
* Second mortgage: as the interest rate on a HELOC might fluctuate, you will benefit more from a regular loan which will protect you against such situations.
* Shopping: this is definitely a bad idea. Even though this financial product works more or less like a credit card, it will be wiser to use your credit card to purchase objects as your home is not on the line.
By: Sarah Dinkins
Posts Tagged Home Equity Line Of Credit
Home Equity Release
Sep 18
Home Equity Line of Credit
Get cash using the value in your home
Home equity release is a way to access cash using the value which is ‘tied up’ in your house. It’s a line of credit that is available to homeowners over a certain age who have paid of some or all of their mortgage and want to continue living in their own home.
It is a complicated area of finance and before you enter into any agreement, carry out thorough research on the lender you are considering dealing with and also research the different types of loan available as well as ensuring you’re being offered a reasonable interest rate.
Who is eligible?
People over a certain age (usually from 50 years) HomeownersHow does it work?
Broadly speaking, there are two types of home equity loan; a home reversion plan and a lifetime mortgage. Within these loan types there are many variations and Interest rates. Repayment terms and other conditions will vary between different lenders. Here is a brief overview of how these schemes work:
Lifetime mortgage:
Continue to live in your home Receive a cash lump sum, regular income or both Make monthly interest payments on the loan Repay a pre-agreed amount when your house is sold Home reversion plan:
Continue to live in your own home Sell all or part of your home Receive a cash lump sum Pay little or no rent while you continue to live in your home Your loan is paid off when your house is eventually soldShould you take out a home equity loan?
Like any financial product, that decision depends on your individual circumstances and requirements. A home equity release scheme is a serious financial undertaking and it is absolutely vital that you thoroughly research all your options for raising funds before you commit to this type of financial arrangement:
Can you sell your current home and downsize? Are there any other assets you can sell?Always seek independent financial advice
Learn about the different types of home equity loan (we have covered only the basics here) and thoroughly research any lender you are considering doing business with. Don’t rush into any agreement, it’s important to be armed with all the information you need to make an informed decision and get the best deal available.
By: Maz Grundy
With the recession hitting hard these days, more people are considering using their homes to get out debt. Learning about home equity lines of credit is imperative if you choose to draw on the equity in your home. No matter if you’re going for a home equity loan or equity line of credit, each loan is the same as a second loan and is secured by your house. There are some home equity line of credit facts to make your selection a bit simpler.
The majority of home equity lines of credit have small or no closing costs. You simply have to pay interest only mortgage loan payments, that results in lesser monthly mortgage payments than if you have a fixed interest rate loan. Variable mortgage interest rates typically have a lot lower initial rates than with fixed interest rate loans. You may make use of the loan to withdraw only as you require the funds. You just pay interest on the capital that is used, not on the full loan total. You may utilize the remaining balance of the equity line as a rainy day source.
Variable mortgage interest rates aren’t firm and may go up more than a fixed interest rate loan. Monthly mortgage payments aren’t steady and can vary a lot. Nearly all home equity lines of credit entail annual fees paid to the lender. Because equity rates are going up fast, it is simple to use up all of your home equity. It is wise to make use of the equity in your house to get rid of debt, or pay off credit cards. However, utilize the funds sensibly and just take as modest equity as you feel you need to.
Optimistically, these home equity line loan tips should make selecting an equity loan simpler for you.
By: Robin Boddy