Home Equity Lines of Credit and How They Work
March 2, 2009 by Debt Equity Financing
Filed under Home Equity
You’ve certainly heard the ads on television that tell you to ‘tap the equity in your home’ when you need fast cash for home renovations, emergencies and even family vacations. There are two main types of home equity loans, a standard home equity loan, and a home equity line of credit. Before you decide to tap the equity in your home, you should understand what home equity debt is and how you can use it to finance the important things in your life.
Borrowing against your home equity
Most homes are purchased through mortgages, a loan taken from a bank or lender and then paid back over a course of ten to thirty years. As you pay back that money, a certain portion of what you pay goes to the bank as interest, and the rest is applied to the principal. The amount paid on the principal builds ‘equity’, which is, in simplified terms, the amount of your home that you own. The amount of equity you have in your home can be used as collateral for a loan to finance college, pay for a wedding or make home improvements, among other things.
A home equity line of credit is not exactly a loan. Rather, it’s a promise from a bank or lender that they will loan you money up to a specified amount when you need it at the interest rates agreed upon. Unlike a home equity loan, where the bank loans you a chunk of money and you pay it back, a home equity loan of credit allows you to borrow money as you need it, like a credit card.
Using a Home Equity Line of Credit
For example, if you take out a home equity loan for $10,000, you’ll get a check from the bank for $10,000 all at once. The interest clock starts clicking as soon as you sign the papers, and if you find that you need to borrow more money, you will need to apply again. If you really only need $2,000 of that money, you’ll still be paying interest on the entire $10,000 because you have the use of the entire $10,000.
With a home equity line of credit, the bank promises to lend you up to $10,000 over the next however many years. You haven’t actually borrowed any money when you sign a home equity line of credit agreement. It’s more like signing a credit card agreement. You won’t owe any interest until you actually use your home equity line of credit to borrow money. Once you’ve established a line of credit, if you find you need $2,000, you can draw that money from your home equity line of credit. At that point, you’ll owe the bank $2,000 and will start paying interest on a $2,000 loan.
There will still be $8,000 remaining on your line of credit. In other words, the bank has promised that it will loan you up to $10,000 during the term that the line is in effect, so you can still borrow up to another $8,000 as long as your loan remains in good standing. Even better, as you repay your loan, that money becomes available to borrow again, just like with a credit card.
So if you use $2,000 of your line of credit, you’ll have $8,000 remaining. If you then pay back $500 of it, you’ll be able to borrow up to $8,500 if you need it. You’ll only pay interest on the amount that you have actually borrowed, but you’ll have up to $20,000 available to you to use without having to apply for a loan every time you need one.
Why choose a home equity line of credit?
Establishing a home equity line of credit before you need one can be an excellent idea. Unlike a standard home equity loan, you won’t be paying any interest on the money that’s available to you unless you actually use it, and you’ll only be paying interest on the amount that you actually borrow rather than on the entire $10,000 amount.
There are a few circumstances where a home equity loan makes more sense than a line of credit. Since standard home equity loans generally carry lower interest rates than a home equity loan of credit, it makes sense to use a home equity loan if you will be paying out all or nearly the entire loan amount in a short period of time. In other words, if you need $10,000 to pay for something up front, then it makes more sense to take out a home equity loan for $10,000. You’ll pay less in interest that way.
If, on the other hand, you predict that you’ll need about $10,000 to complete a project over the next year, but won’t need all of it at once, a home equity line of credit makes more sense. While your interest rate on the line of credit may be slightly higher than on a standard loan, you’ll only be paying interest on the amount that you actually owe each month.
Thanks to Brian Jenkins for contributing this article to our Equity blog:
Borrowing against your home equity
Most homes are purchased through mortgages, a loan taken from a bank or lender and then paid back over a course of ten to thirty years. As you pay back that money, a certain portion of what you pay goes to the bank as interest, and the rest is applied to the principal. The amount paid on the principal builds ‘equity’, which is, in simplified terms, the amount of your home that you own. The amount of equity you have in your home can be used as collateral for a loan to finance college, pay for a wedding or make home improvements, among other things.
A home equity line of credit is not exactly a loan. Rather, it’s a promise from a bank or lender that they will loan you money up to a specified amount when you need it at the interest rates agreed upon. Unlike a home equity loan, where the bank loans you a chunk of money and you pay it back, a home equity loan of credit allows you to borrow money as you need it, like a credit card.
Using a Home Equity Line of Credit
For example, if you take out a home equity loan for $10,000, you’ll get a check from the bank for $10,000 all at once. The interest clock starts clicking as soon as you sign the papers, and if you find that you need to borrow more money, you will need to apply again. If you really only need $2,000 of that money, you’ll still be paying interest on the entire $10,000 because you have the use of the entire $10,000.
With a home equity line of credit, the bank promises to lend you up to $10,000 over the next however many years. You haven’t actually borrowed any money when you sign a home equity line of credit agreement. It’s more like signing a credit card agreement. You won’t owe any interest until you actually use your home equity line of credit to borrow money. Once you’ve established a line of credit, if you find you need $2,000, you can draw that money from your home equity line of credit. At that point, you’ll owe the bank $2,000 and will start paying interest on a $2,000 loan.
There will still be $8,000 remaining on your line of credit. In other words, the bank has promised that it will loan you up to $10,000 during the term that the line is in effect, so you can still borrow up to another $8,000 as long as your loan remains in good standing. Even better, as you repay your loan, that money becomes available to borrow again, just like with a credit card.
So if you use $2,000 of your line of credit, you’ll have $8,000 remaining. If you then pay back $500 of it, you’ll be able to borrow up to $8,500 if you need it. You’ll only pay interest on the amount that you have actually borrowed, but you’ll have up to $20,000 available to you to use without having to apply for a loan every time you need one.
Why choose a home equity line of credit?
Establishing a home equity line of credit before you need one can be an excellent idea. Unlike a standard home equity loan, you won’t be paying any interest on the money that’s available to you unless you actually use it, and you’ll only be paying interest on the amount that you actually borrow rather than on the entire $10,000 amount.
There are a few circumstances where a home equity loan makes more sense than a line of credit. Since standard home equity loans generally carry lower interest rates than a home equity loan of credit, it makes sense to use a home equity loan if you will be paying out all or nearly the entire loan amount in a short period of time. In other words, if you need $10,000 to pay for something up front, then it makes more sense to take out a home equity loan for $10,000. You’ll pay less in interest that way.
If, on the other hand, you predict that you’ll need about $10,000 to complete a project over the next year, but won’t need all of it at once, a home equity line of credit makes more sense. While your interest rate on the line of credit may be slightly higher than on a standard loan, you’ll only be paying interest on the amount that you actually owe each month.
Thanks to Brian Jenkins for contributing this article to our Equity blog:
Brian Jenkins is a freelance writer who writes about topics pertaining to the mortgage industry such as a Mortgage Company
Home Equity Loan : Advantages and Disadvantages of Home Equity Mortgage You Must Know
February 28, 2009 by Debt Equity Financing
Filed under Home Equity
A home equity loan is that type of home equity mortgage acquired with your home property taken in as collateral. The home equity value is actually the difference between your home’s current market and the amount of mortgage that you owe.
People apply for home equity loan for many different reasons. The most common of them is the serious need for some amount of cash money on hand to be used for purposes such as college tuition fees or perhaps home improvements.
What Are The Advantages
Debt Consolidation
Another simple reason that home owners consider when wanting to take a home equity mortgage of their property is to consolidate their debts. Therefore, instead of dealing with a number of personal loans, you will then have to deal with only one payment monthly because of debt consolidation. Thus, one due date needs to be remembered as well as the amount that is needed to be paid. One loan means a much easier planning of your financial and budgetary concerns.
Home Improvements
As already said, home owners likewise can use home equity loan for the improvement of their home properties. These types of loans do offer great interest rates when it comes to home improvement. They likewise help in improving the value of your property with the increase in equity and the writing off of charges in interests on tax returns.
Simply put, the main advantages of home equity loans are low and tax-deductible interests. It is likewise a quick and easy way to acquiring a sizable amount of cash.
What Are The Disadvantages
Where there is positive side, there must also be negative side. You must remember that your house will be used as the main collateral. Thus, the failure to refund the home equity mortgage loan certainly will result in foreclosure, meaning, you lose your ownership to your property if you fail pay your loan obligations.
Increasing interest rates
Another bad aspect of home equity loan is the ever increasing interest rates. Most rates of home loan vary according to the current economy condition. With a changing interest rate, your monthly loan payments may either increase or decrease in its amount. Therefore it is a must that you are aware of your interest rate cap.
The cap actually decides on how high the interest rates can increase annually and how much it can increase its amount over the entire duration of the loan. Likewise, it is best for you to inquire from your lender about whatever possible fees involved with the home equity mortgage loan. It is possible that lenders will decide to charge you will simply all possible fees there is. Some of the fees include application fees and withdrawal fees.
Before you get a home equity loan, better consider how the overall economy and property market is doing. If the prices of home property are going down, it is advisable to not consider getting such type of loan as the home equity value will be lower.
Thanks to Julian Lim for contributing this article to our Equity blog:
If you need help determining whether a Home Equity Loan is a smart move for your situation, visit the web site at Home Equity Mortgage for helpful information and additional links to articles and financial expert advice.
Great Benefits of A 125 Home Equity Loan
January 27, 2009 by Debt Equity Financing
Filed under About Equity
Do you know what a 125 home equity loan is? I’m sure you know all about traditional home equity loans where you can borrow money using the equity in your home as collateral for the loan. These home equity loans provide many people with cash for a wide range of uses. Of course there are other types of equity loans besides the traditional home equity loan, and the 125 home equity loan is one of these options. A 125 home equity loan lets you get even more cash than usual based on the equity in your home.
Let me first define what equity is. Your home equity is quite simply the difference in what you owe the bank still and the value of your home. For example, if your home is valued at $300,000 and you still owe $150,000 to the mortgage company then you have $150,000 in equity. One nice benefit is that in a rising real estate market you gain additional equity simply through the rise in your homes value.
Traditional Home Equity Loans vs. 125 Home Equity Loans
In a traditional home equity loan you are offered a loan that does not exceed the amount of equity present in your home. So, if you have $25,000 in equity you’re able to get a loan for $25,000. This loan can be used to pay for anything you want from home improvements to education or even a vacation if you choose.
The difference between the traditional home equity loan and a 125 home equity loan is in the amount you can borrow. With a 125 home equity loan you can borrow up to 125% of the present equity value in your home. In this case if you have $25,000 equity in your home you would be offered a loan of $31,250. In the past many lenders would shy away from this type of loan since part of it is unsecured and increases their risk. These days however more and more lenders, especially online lenders are offering 125 home equity loans. If you’re thinking of applying for this type of loan you should know that a high credit score will help you greatly in getting approved.
125 Home Equity Loan Warning
The 125 home equity loan is especially suited for those who need access to a large amount of money. If you are thinking of using the money to start a business or take on a large home improvement project a 125 home equity loan could meet your needs quite well.
Keep in mind that as long as home values continue to rise or at least stay stagnant you’re in little danger from this type of equity loan. However, if your home value declines your equity will decline as well and you could actually end up owing more than your home is worth.
It really depends on your needs and circumstances to determine how much sense a 125 home equity loan makes for you. As I said previously, it can be very useful for those starting a business, particularly if you expect the business to have good cash flow. It is also useful for large home improvements since they are likely to increase your home’s value and also your equity. Just be careful that you don’t overextend yourself when taking a 125 home equity loan.
Thanks to Steven Walters for contributing this article to our Equity blog:
Let me first define what equity is. Your home equity is quite simply the difference in what you owe the bank still and the value of your home. For example, if your home is valued at $300,000 and you still owe $150,000 to the mortgage company then you have $150,000 in equity. One nice benefit is that in a rising real estate market you gain additional equity simply through the rise in your homes value.
Traditional Home Equity Loans vs. 125 Home Equity Loans
In a traditional home equity loan you are offered a loan that does not exceed the amount of equity present in your home. So, if you have $25,000 in equity you’re able to get a loan for $25,000. This loan can be used to pay for anything you want from home improvements to education or even a vacation if you choose.
The difference between the traditional home equity loan and a 125 home equity loan is in the amount you can borrow. With a 125 home equity loan you can borrow up to 125% of the present equity value in your home. In this case if you have $25,000 equity in your home you would be offered a loan of $31,250. In the past many lenders would shy away from this type of loan since part of it is unsecured and increases their risk. These days however more and more lenders, especially online lenders are offering 125 home equity loans. If you’re thinking of applying for this type of loan you should know that a high credit score will help you greatly in getting approved.
125 Home Equity Loan Warning
The 125 home equity loan is especially suited for those who need access to a large amount of money. If you are thinking of using the money to start a business or take on a large home improvement project a 125 home equity loan could meet your needs quite well.
Keep in mind that as long as home values continue to rise or at least stay stagnant you’re in little danger from this type of equity loan. However, if your home value declines your equity will decline as well and you could actually end up owing more than your home is worth.
It really depends on your needs and circumstances to determine how much sense a 125 home equity loan makes for you. As I said previously, it can be very useful for those starting a business, particularly if you expect the business to have good cash flow. It is also useful for large home improvements since they are likely to increase your home’s value and also your equity. Just be careful that you don’t overextend yourself when taking a 125 home equity loan.
Thanks to Steven Walters for contributing this article to our Equity blog:
To learn more about 125 home equity loan and refinancing your home mortgage please visit the authors website.
Home Equity Loan: Helps to Get More
January 26, 2009 by Debt Equity Financing
Filed under About Equity
The needs that demand larger money can be made easier with the home equity loan. Home equity loan helps the homeowner to renovate his home or meet the expenses of son’s wedding etc. with easy financing option.
Home Equity Loan are secured against the equity of your home means borrower uses equity in their home as collateral. These loans are helpful in financing the major home repairs, medical bills, education expenses, wedding expenses or holidaying.
The term home equity defines the market value of borrower’s home after deduction of the debts which are taken on behalf of borrower’s home.
The home equity loans is secured against the home of the borrower so homeowners with bad credit history like CCJ’s and IVA, defaults, arrears and bankruptcy can also apply for home equity loans.
The amount against the home equity loans is depended upon the equity of the home i.e. lender check the previous debt on home equity if taken and then compares it with the market value of the home that is put as a collateral. If the value is more than the debts then he offers home equity loan. But if the value of home is lesser than debts then also borrower can avail larger amount i.e. by clearing off debts or by increasing the value of your home through home improvements or renovation
The interest rate charged on the home equity loans is higher if the loan is taken for shorter duration whereas interest rate goes down when taken for longer duration. Usually, home equity loan can be availed for repayment duration up to 30 years.
Borrower can avail home equity loan at cheaper rates especially if they opt for online mode. As online loan market is flooded away with the online lenders that are ready to provide the home equity loan at the cheaper rates.
While considering the home equity loan, borrower must make sure that they are paid back in time so that you avoid falling into worse situation.
Thanks to Johan Jeuring for contributing this article to our Equity blog:
Home Equity Loan are secured against the equity of your home means borrower uses equity in their home as collateral. These loans are helpful in financing the major home repairs, medical bills, education expenses, wedding expenses or holidaying.
The term home equity defines the market value of borrower’s home after deduction of the debts which are taken on behalf of borrower’s home.
The home equity loans is secured against the home of the borrower so homeowners with bad credit history like CCJ’s and IVA, defaults, arrears and bankruptcy can also apply for home equity loans.
The amount against the home equity loans is depended upon the equity of the home i.e. lender check the previous debt on home equity if taken and then compares it with the market value of the home that is put as a collateral. If the value is more than the debts then he offers home equity loan. But if the value of home is lesser than debts then also borrower can avail larger amount i.e. by clearing off debts or by increasing the value of your home through home improvements or renovation
The interest rate charged on the home equity loans is higher if the loan is taken for shorter duration whereas interest rate goes down when taken for longer duration. Usually, home equity loan can be availed for repayment duration up to 30 years.
Borrower can avail home equity loan at cheaper rates especially if they opt for online mode. As online loan market is flooded away with the online lenders that are ready to provide the home equity loan at the cheaper rates.
While considering the home equity loan, borrower must make sure that they are paid back in time so that you avoid falling into worse situation.
Thanks to Johan Jeuring for contributing this article to our Equity blog:
Johan Jeuring holds a master degree in Commerce from JNU. He is working as financial consultant in Chance For Loans. To find best home equity loan, Secured Holiday Loans, best secured loans, self employed loans, unsecured home improvement loans visit http://www.chanceforloans.co.uk
