| Deciding Between a Home Equity Loan and Home Equity Line of Credit |
| Articles - Mortgage |
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Home equity loans and lines of credit are powerful tools that give homeowners simplified access to cash to use however they wish. Although alot alike, there are several key items that differentiate these home equity products. Make sure you clearly understand both products before tapping into your home's equity for home improvement, purchase of a new car, etc..
Home equity loans and lines of credit are powerful tools that give homeowners simplified access to cash to use however they wish. Although alot alike, there are several key items that differentiate these home equity products. Make sure you clearly understand both products before tapping into your home's equity for home improvement, purchase of a new car, etc.. Home market values are in a constant state of flux. The difference between a home's market value and any outstanding mortgage(s) equals the available equity. For example, if a home's value is estimated at $280,000, and you owe a mortgage lender $180,000, the available home equity equals $100,000. With either a home equity loan or line of credit, the homebuyer may choose to access all, or part of the home's equity. What Makes a Home Equity Loan Unique? Home equity loans are similar to other types of personal loans. In most cases, personal loans are secured with some piece of property that has inherit value as collateral. With a home equity product, your house is the collateral. Most home equity loans come with fixed rates and payments are usually amortized over 15 years. The homeowner receives the funds in a lump sum and after closing the funds can be used for any purpose. As with most loan products, the homeowner can decide to pay the loan quicker than the amortization period. Why Should I Choose a Home Equity Line of Credit? As with home equity loans, lines of credit are also based on the home's available equity. However, instead of funds being supplied in a lump sum, credit lines are essentially revolving credit accounts. For example, if approved for a $150,000 credit line, a revolving credit account is established for this amount, and homeowners are free to withdraw funds up to this limit as necessary. Lines of credit are similar to cash advances from a credit card. However, interest rates are much more favorable than those offered by credit card issuers. Once money is withdrawn, payoff must be completed within 10 years in most cases. Since line of credit rates are variable (using some factor of either the prime rate or LIBOR), homeowners should expect payment amounts to change. DISCLAIMER: This article is provided as information only and is not to be taken as financial advice. If you're in the market for a home equity loans or home equity line of credit Easy-Home-Equity-Loans.com can assist. Visit out our website for current offerings, assistful commentary and tips on securing the best home equity product for your needs. |