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Home Equity Loans

Unlike your first mortgage, you are already in the home, and usually time is not such a major factor. You can close the loan at your own leisure, and take your time researching the different options available to you. A mortgage lender will have a range of loans to suit you. Some homeowners opt to refinance an existing mortgage and use the cash obtained at closing to reduce debts.

Essentially, a home equity loan is a ‘second mortgage’ – a loan secured by your property. If you don’t make good on your payments, the lending company or bank can force the sale of your house to recover their money.

The money is paid back through an increased mortgage payment. Plus, it is an online application, not a paper application that has to be picked up and then turned back in to the bank or mortgage company. Search for quotes from top local mortgage companies based on your needs and choose the best broker to help you through the loan application process. Mortgage calculators help borrowers understand monthly payments and let you compare rates between multiple mortgage products nationwide.

Terms, rates, and fees are subject to change without notice, prior to closing your fixed-rate conversion. Certain restrictions and documentation requirements may apply.

Understanding the difference between home equity loans and home equity line of credit …

Line of Credit

And unlike a home equity loan, with a line of credit you pay interest only when you use your funds. You’re drawing on a home equity line of credit on which the interest meter is ticking, while at the same time the value of your emergency fund has fallen. No need to panic, of course. But because interest rates change constantly, what may have seemed like a good rate when you first purchased your home may be much higher than today’s rates. If you choose to refinance to take advantage of the new rates, you will have to take out a new mortgage with a lower rate or more favorable terms, and use it to pay off your old loan.

Interest is the largest single cost associated with most equity loans, but it is not the only expense borrowers face. Taking out a home-equity loan or a home-equity line of credit imposes the same fees as a mortgage . Interest rates for loans differ, so it pays to check with several lenders for the lowest rate. Compare the annual percentage rate (APR), which indicates the cost of credit on a yearly basis. Interest is charged on a predetermined variable rate, which is usually based on prevailing prime rates.

Interest rates on such loans are usually adjustable rather than fixed and lower than standard second mortgages or credit cards. Interest on both a home equity loan and line of credit may be deductible (consult your tax advisor about your personal situation). Interest rates, fees, repayment conditions, loan amount, and additional costs such as points can all vary. For example, a lender may charge an annual fee for using your home equity line of credit or even a larger fee if your credit line is inactive.

Interest rates on home equity loans are generally fixed for the loan period. On the other hand, the home equity line of credit provides more flexible terms of use. Interest paid on a home equity line of credit is normally tax deductible. Interest rates lately are near record lows. If you bought your home a few years ago you may well be able to refinance at a lower rate.

When applying for a home equity loan, keep in mind that like most loans, there are always a host of fees. Usually the interest rates for this type of loan are much lower than those of a credit card which is a plus but be sure you understand all costs that will be associated with the loan before you sign on the line.

The main cost to consider is the interest rate. Different types of home equity loans come with different types interest rates. If you are getting a closed home equity loan, which is a single loan, it traditionally will have a fixed interest rate. If you are considering a home equity line of credit, know that it usually will have a variable interest rate. The two types of loans are quite different so expect a discrepancy in the rate of interest for each.

With the home equity line of credit, often every time you borrow from that line, you may be asked to pay a transaction fee. But with all fees, it never hurts to ask for them to be waived or reduced. Often lenders waive certain fees as an incentive to use their company. So do your research!

Both of these loans are treated much like a mortgage. So like your initial home loan, expect that you will have closing costs, attorney fees (if they prepare the legal documents) and insurance fees to pay. You’ll more than likely also encounter an appraisal fee. It’s usually required to have an official home value established before the loan amount can be properly determined. Just keep these all in mind when deciding on whether or not getting a home equity loan is right for you.

Unfortunately, fees are a necessary evil when it comes to getting any type of loan so be prepared to analyze the whole picture. There’s always more to consider than just your monthly payment. And since it’s your home you are putting on the line, it’s so important to understand every fee that will ultimately be associated with the loan. There are so many options out there for home owners. Just be a savvy consumer and get all the information before committing to anything.

Unlike traditional secured loans that require collateral to be put up in return for the money, a Home Equity Loan is a way of borrowing money based upon the value of your house. The key word here is ‘equity’, which refers to the difference between the amount you owe on a mortgage and the actual value of the property – so, if you had a £150,000 mortgage but the house was valued at £250,000, then you’d have £100,000 worth of equity to play with. By using a Home Equity Loan, you could potentially free up that money and use it for a variety of things, from home improvements (which could increase the value of your home further) or a car to funding a child’s education, consolidating debts or even buying a second home. Thanks to the fact that you’re basically borrowing money on top of whatever mortgage you might already have, it’s no surprise that many people refer to Home Equity Loans as ‘second mortgages’.

Of course, the big catch with Home Equity Loans is that there needs to be equity available in your home before you can borrow against it. With home prices considerably lower than they were as little as five years ago, this might be difficult for some home owners and impossible for others, since a lot of people today are discovering that their homes are actually worth less than what they paid for them! If you’re considering a Home Equity Loan then, it’s important to check that there’s actually something you can borrow against before making an application, as being declined can be both embarrassing to yourself and potentially damaging to your credit rating.

You might also struggle to get a Home Equity Loan if you’re suffering from bad credit, since lenders might see you as a risk to lend the additional money to. In these circumstances, it may be better for you to consider a Bad Credit Loan or some other form of borrowing that you can secure on your home, without the need to extract equity from it.

Regardless of your circumstances though, there are two very crucial things that have to be considered before taking out a Home Equity Loan. Firstly, do you really need it? There are many other different types of loan product out there right now that could do the job just as well without putting the equity in your home at risk, so it might be worth considering those first instead. Just as important is the lender you’re going with – instead of accepting the first offer you get, check out a number of firms and, where possible, play them off of one another to ensure you’re going to get the best deal available. Every lender is different and you might discover some offers that wouldn’t otherwise have been available if you look hard enough; even if you’re in something of a rush to free up the cash, it’s always wise to look before you leap!

In Summary

A home equity loan…

Is often referred to as a second mortgage by lenders and banks Allows you to borrow the difference between your home’s value and your mortgage amount Requires there to be extra equity in your property before you can get one Might be hard to get if you have a bad credit rating or other financial difficulties Should always be considered thoroughly before you sign on the dotted line

Copyright: Individual Finance, 2010

Those of you who are among the ranks of the self-employed may have already learned that it is more difficult to get a loan – let alone a home equity loan. The good news, though, is that it is possible. Here is some information and tips about how you can get a home equity loan if you are self-employed.

The truth is, first, that you will find it more difficult to get a loan because you are self-employed. The primary thing that the lender will want to see is proof of a profitable income. Some lenders will make it more difficult than others when you try to prove it. You may be asked by one lender to provide statements for two years, and another one may ask for three years worth of proof. This means that you can probably rule out a no doc loan, too.

Another thing that you will need to watch for – concerning your own finances – is how much debt you already have. All lenders look at the debt-to-income ratio when considering giving a home equity loan, and usually require a maximum of 36%, which includes all mortgages and loans. It seems, though, that it may be a good idea to stay as far from this number as possible when you are self-employed.

You will also want to check over your credit report before you apply, to make sure that there are no inaccurate statements on it. Correcting these is not too difficult, once the problem has been resolved, but you will need to wait about two months before the corrections actually show up on your credit score. If you have less than two years of good, solid income, you will most likely have to pay a higher interest rate. A good credit score, though, will help this to stay reasonable.

Right now, self-employment is becoming more popular. Many lenders still do not have ways to provide for the needs of those of you who are in this category. New products are being developed, though, to meet the rising numbers of those who are leaving the commercial workplace. It may take a while, however, before there is some serious competition and a lessening of the stricter requirements.

Home equity loans can be obtained either as an adjustable rate mortgage, or as a fixed rate mortgage. You will have to calculate which one is more advantageous for your situation, and consider the possibility of rising interest rates now.

Something that you will need to especially consider is that a home equity loan adds another monthly payment to your bills. It also is secured by your home, which means it puts your home at risk if you should default on the loan – for any reason. Remember, also, to leave 20% of the value of your home’s equity untouched in order to not have to pay private mortgage insurance.

You may find that one or two lenders will definitely give you a higher interest rate. By looking around, however, and getting several quotes, you can find a lender who will give you the home equity loan you want – with reasonable rates. Compare them carefully, noting things like the interest rate, the fees, and repayment terms. Also watch out for any home equity loan that has a prepayment penalty in it – you don’t need it.

Home equity loans are regulated in California to limit fees and caps.
No matter where your financial company is based, they will have to
follow these regulations if you are living in California. By expanding your
search to national financing companies, you can find competitive rates
and terms that still follow California law.

Providing Full Home Equity Disclosure

Many of the basic ideas of the federal “Truth In Lending Act” are based
off of California financing law. By using lenders who follow California
financing laws, you can protect yourself from predatory lending.

For example, one such California principle is the idea of full
disclosure, listing out interest rate, fees, and terms before signing a loan
contract. In California, lenders must offer contract copies before
application and before using the credit.

It is a good idea to look over the fees and terms to be sure they are
fair and meet your needs. For example, if you find a prepayment penalty,
then you may want to negotiate a waiver or find a different lender.

Placing Caps on Home Equity Loan Fees and Terms

California laws also place caps on fees and terms, particularly with
sub prime loans. For example, interest cannot be charged on a loan until
one day after closing. There are also limits on late fees and early
payment.

Large financial companies have been prosecuted in California for
failing to meet regulations. So even with the biggest names, look over the
terms to be sure they are not overcharging you.

Shopping Outside of California for Best Home Equity Loan

Even with local laws, you can still search outside of California for
low rates. By expanding your search online, you can find competitive
rates and terms than still meet California law.

Start with a broker site that will link you to several lenders. By
providing your address, financial companies will be aware of the unique
laws related to your loan quote.

Be A Smart California Home Equity Loan Shopper

Your California address won’t protect you from unscrupulous lenders. Be
sure that you practice good credit habits by reading and understanding
all your loan terms. Also, compare rates and fees with other lenders to
be sure they are inline with the market.

Bad credit home equity loans are special home equity loans available to people with a low credit score. If you have been eyeing a new home or wish to take a new loan to pay off high interest debts, then they are something you should consider applying for.
Fixing Of Interest Rates

Your credit score or FICO score is used to determine the interest rate you will have to pay. You gain FICO points depending on your ability to repay loans, your salary and assets. You lose points when you default, make late payments or file for bankruptcy. Scores range from 350 to 850 points. Those who have a high credit score pay low interest rates. People who have a score of less than 600 are usually asked to pay a high rate of interest or denied loans. However, they can always avail of bad credit home equity loans.

What Is A Bad Credit Home Equity Loan?

Originally, home equity loans were designed to pay for renovations and add on structures to your home. However, as lenders never check where the money is going, you can use it for almost any purpose. People with low credit scores usually go in to pay off their debts. The only difference between bad credit home equity loans and regular home equity loans is the slightly higher rate of interest.

Lending companies and banks are always ready to dole out cash as bad credit home equity loans. As the loan is secured by a mortgage on your house, the lender faces very little risk. If you are unable to pay the loan in the future, they simple repossess your house to recover their dues. Plus the high interest rates and loan charges make it quite profitable for them.

Advantages To People With Bad Credit

They are extremely useful to people who are stuck in a cycle of debt or in a debt crisis. If you have multiple high interest rate arrears like credit card debts, then it makes sense to use a low interest home equity loan to pay it off. The advantages are -

You will have to deal with just one creditor – the home equity loan company.
You will make smaller monthly payments

As you pay off the previous loans, your credit rating will increase. This debt consolidation function of bad credit home equity loans is the reason why it is become so popular today.