You've finally decided to add that patio you've always wanted to your home. Now you can enjoy barbecue outdoors and get a little fresh air every now and again. But how are you going to pay for it? If you're like most people, you don't have cash for home repairs just lying around the house. You'll have to borrow. So where should you go to borrow? Mortgage rates are low these days, so a home equity loan would be pretty affordable, as would a home equity line of credit (HELOC) if you have a number of remodeling projects in mind.Then it occurs to you -- "What about my 401(K) money? I can get good terms on a 401(K) loan and borrow the money from myself!" That seems like a good idea. You can borrow the money from yourself and pay yourself back with interest! What could be better than that?.On the surface, borrowing from your retirement savings may seem like a better idea than taking out a home equity loan. The terms are good either way, and the interest rates are probably comparable. So, why not borrow from your 401(K) account?.There are several reasons why it may not be desirable to borrow from your retirement account:.
Most Americans fail to save enough for retirement, so borrowing from your retirement fund may leave you short later should you default. No one wants to be broke when they retire.
If you have a diversified 401(K) account, you will probably be earning interest on your retirement money. In fact, the interest rate you are earning on your retirement fund may exceed the interest rate you would pay for a home equity loan. In that case, you take out a home equity loan, leave the retirement money where it is, and you should earn a net gain between the two.
If your retirement fund is earning good interest, and in the late 1990's many were earning upwards of 20% per year, then borrowing on your principal could hurt you tremendously in the long run. Due to the nature of compounding, the amount you lose by borrowing from your retirement account could be far more than simply the sum of the loan amount plus interest.
The interest on a home equity loan is tax deductible, up to $100,000. The interest on a 401(K) loan is not.There are certainly some circumstances where you might benefit from borrowing from retirement funds instead of taking out a second mortgage, but those situations are fairly rare. A substantially higher interest rate on the home equity loan than the 401(K) loan would be one such example. If in doubt, you should consult with a financial planner.
Thursday, July 5, 2007
Decision Time: Home Equity Loan Or Home Equity Line Of Credit?
Home equity loans and home equity lines of credit continue to grow in popularity. According to the Consumer Bankers Association, during 2003 combined home equity line and loan portfolios grew 29 percent, following a torrid 31 percent growth rate in 2002. With so many people deciding to cash in on their home’s equity value, it seems sensible to review the factors that should be weighed in choosing between out a home equity loan (HEL) or a home equity line of credit (HELOC) loan. In this article we outline three principal factors to weigh to make the decision as objective and rational as possible. But first, definitions:
A home equity loan (HEL) is very similar to a regular residential mortgage except that it typically has a shorter term and is in a second (or junior) position behind the first mortgage on the property – if there is a first mortgage. With a HEL, you receive a lump sum of money at closing and agree to repay it according to a fixed amortization schedule (usually 5, 10 or 15 years). Much like a regular mortgage, the typical HEL has a fixed interest rate that is set at closing for the life of the loan.
In contrast, a home equity line of credit (HELOC) in many ways is similar to a credit card. At closing you are assigned a specified credit limit that you can borrow up to - not a check. HELOC funds are borrowed “on demand” and you pay back only what you use plus interest. Depending on how much you use the HELOC, you will have a minimum monthly payment requirement (often “interest only”); beyond the minimum, it is up to you how much to pay and when to pay. One more important difference: the interest rate on a HELOC is adjustable meaning that it can - and almost certainly will - change over time.
So, once you’ve decided that tapping your home’s equity is a smart move, how do you decide which route to go? If you take time to honestly assess your situation using the following three criteria, you will be able to make a sound and reasoned decision.
1. Certainty or Flexibility: Which do you value the most?
For many borrowers, this is the most important factor to consider. Your home is collateral for either type of home equity borrowing and, in a worst case scenario, it could be seized and sold to satisfy an outstanding unpaid loan balance. People do remember the double-digit interest rates of the early 1980’s and, for many, the mere prospect of interest costs on a variable-rate home equity line of credit rising rapidly beyond their means is reason enough for them to opt for the certainty of a fixed rate HEL.
From the borrower’s perspective, “certainty” is the main virtue of a fixed-rate home equity loan. You borrow a specific amount of money for a specific period of time at a specific rate of interest. You repay the loan in precise monthly installments for a precise number of months. For many, knowing exactly what their future obligations will be is the only way they can borrow against the equity in their home and still sleep at night.
A home equity line of credit, in contrast, is short on certainty but long on the virtue of flexibility. With a HELOC loan you borrow funds on an irregular schedule that meets your needs at adjustable interest rates that can change quickly. Loan repayment is also flexible: you typically are required to make only relatively small “interest-only” monthly payments on a HELOC. However, you have flexibility to make any size payment above the interest-only minimum or payoff the loan at your will.
2. Do you need money for a one-time, lump-sum payment or will your cash needs be intermittent over several months or years?
Home equity loans are best suited for one-time payment needs (a good example is consolidating debt by paying off several high-rate credit cards at one time). This is because at the time you close on a HEL, you will be provided with a lump-sum check in the amount you’ve borrowed (less closing costs). While it may be empowering to have that much money handed over to you, be humbled by the fact that you will immediately begin incurring interest costs on the entire balance.
When you close on a HELOC loan, on the other hand, you will be given a checkbook (or debit card) that you use only as needed. So, for instance, if you're embarking on a multiyear home improvement project for which you'll be writing checks at varying times, a HELOC might be best. Similarly, a credit line is probably best for paying sporadic college expenses. Interest on a HELOC loan is only charged from the time that your HELOC checks clear the bank and only on amounts actually disbursed… not the value of the entire credit line.
3. Do you possess sufficient financial self-discipline for a HELOC?
Financially-disciplined borrowers can have the best of both worlds…almost. By taking out a HELOC loan but paying it back according to a self-imposed fixed amortization schedule they can enjoy both the flexibility of borrowing cash only as needed and the certainty of a fixed repayment schedule. HELOCs are typically more efficient in terms of lower closing costs and a lower initial interest rate. Also, a HELOC may be somewhat easier for borrowers to qualify for since the low, flexible monthly payments mean debt to income ratios that loan officers look at are more favorable for the borrower.
The one big factor not within the HELOC borrower’s control is the interest rate (see 1 above). Interest rates will almost certainly change over the life of a HELOC. This means that a self-imposed “fixed” amortization schedule may need to be periodically refigured. Numerous internet sites provide free, powerful mortgage calculators that can assist you in preparing updated amortization schedules whenever needed. Some lenders are also meeting borrowers’ demand for greater certainty by providing HELOC products that can be converted (for a fee) into a fixed rate loan when the borrower elects.
As mentioned earlier, HELOC loans are much like credit cards and the similarity extends to spending temptation. If you are a person who has trouble keeping credit card debt under control and you haven’t taken steps to change habits, then a HELOC probably isn’t a smart choice.
You might be wondering which home equity product most people actually choose. According to the Consumer Bankers Association 2002 Home Equity Study, home equity lines of credit account for 28 percent of consumer credit accounts followed by personal loans (23 percent) and regular home equity loans (16 percent). In terms of dollar value, home equity credit accounts (HELs and HELOCs together) represent a full 75 percent of consumer credit portfolios with HELOCs having a 45 percent share of the market and HELs a 30 percent share. Of course, the popularity of HELOCs may subside if interest rates continue to rise.
Whichever home equity product you decide on be certain to shop for the best deal possible. The market is extremely competitive and there are many non-traditional options, including on-line lenders and credit unions, which should be considered in addition to your local bank.
A home equity loan (HEL) is very similar to a regular residential mortgage except that it typically has a shorter term and is in a second (or junior) position behind the first mortgage on the property – if there is a first mortgage. With a HEL, you receive a lump sum of money at closing and agree to repay it according to a fixed amortization schedule (usually 5, 10 or 15 years). Much like a regular mortgage, the typical HEL has a fixed interest rate that is set at closing for the life of the loan.
In contrast, a home equity line of credit (HELOC) in many ways is similar to a credit card. At closing you are assigned a specified credit limit that you can borrow up to - not a check. HELOC funds are borrowed “on demand” and you pay back only what you use plus interest. Depending on how much you use the HELOC, you will have a minimum monthly payment requirement (often “interest only”); beyond the minimum, it is up to you how much to pay and when to pay. One more important difference: the interest rate on a HELOC is adjustable meaning that it can - and almost certainly will - change over time.
So, once you’ve decided that tapping your home’s equity is a smart move, how do you decide which route to go? If you take time to honestly assess your situation using the following three criteria, you will be able to make a sound and reasoned decision.
1. Certainty or Flexibility: Which do you value the most?
For many borrowers, this is the most important factor to consider. Your home is collateral for either type of home equity borrowing and, in a worst case scenario, it could be seized and sold to satisfy an outstanding unpaid loan balance. People do remember the double-digit interest rates of the early 1980’s and, for many, the mere prospect of interest costs on a variable-rate home equity line of credit rising rapidly beyond their means is reason enough for them to opt for the certainty of a fixed rate HEL.
From the borrower’s perspective, “certainty” is the main virtue of a fixed-rate home equity loan. You borrow a specific amount of money for a specific period of time at a specific rate of interest. You repay the loan in precise monthly installments for a precise number of months. For many, knowing exactly what their future obligations will be is the only way they can borrow against the equity in their home and still sleep at night.
A home equity line of credit, in contrast, is short on certainty but long on the virtue of flexibility. With a HELOC loan you borrow funds on an irregular schedule that meets your needs at adjustable interest rates that can change quickly. Loan repayment is also flexible: you typically are required to make only relatively small “interest-only” monthly payments on a HELOC. However, you have flexibility to make any size payment above the interest-only minimum or payoff the loan at your will.
2. Do you need money for a one-time, lump-sum payment or will your cash needs be intermittent over several months or years?
Home equity loans are best suited for one-time payment needs (a good example is consolidating debt by paying off several high-rate credit cards at one time). This is because at the time you close on a HEL, you will be provided with a lump-sum check in the amount you’ve borrowed (less closing costs). While it may be empowering to have that much money handed over to you, be humbled by the fact that you will immediately begin incurring interest costs on the entire balance.
When you close on a HELOC loan, on the other hand, you will be given a checkbook (or debit card) that you use only as needed. So, for instance, if you're embarking on a multiyear home improvement project for which you'll be writing checks at varying times, a HELOC might be best. Similarly, a credit line is probably best for paying sporadic college expenses. Interest on a HELOC loan is only charged from the time that your HELOC checks clear the bank and only on amounts actually disbursed… not the value of the entire credit line.
3. Do you possess sufficient financial self-discipline for a HELOC?
Financially-disciplined borrowers can have the best of both worlds…almost. By taking out a HELOC loan but paying it back according to a self-imposed fixed amortization schedule they can enjoy both the flexibility of borrowing cash only as needed and the certainty of a fixed repayment schedule. HELOCs are typically more efficient in terms of lower closing costs and a lower initial interest rate. Also, a HELOC may be somewhat easier for borrowers to qualify for since the low, flexible monthly payments mean debt to income ratios that loan officers look at are more favorable for the borrower.
The one big factor not within the HELOC borrower’s control is the interest rate (see 1 above). Interest rates will almost certainly change over the life of a HELOC. This means that a self-imposed “fixed” amortization schedule may need to be periodically refigured. Numerous internet sites provide free, powerful mortgage calculators that can assist you in preparing updated amortization schedules whenever needed. Some lenders are also meeting borrowers’ demand for greater certainty by providing HELOC products that can be converted (for a fee) into a fixed rate loan when the borrower elects.
As mentioned earlier, HELOC loans are much like credit cards and the similarity extends to spending temptation. If you are a person who has trouble keeping credit card debt under control and you haven’t taken steps to change habits, then a HELOC probably isn’t a smart choice.
You might be wondering which home equity product most people actually choose. According to the Consumer Bankers Association 2002 Home Equity Study, home equity lines of credit account for 28 percent of consumer credit accounts followed by personal loans (23 percent) and regular home equity loans (16 percent). In terms of dollar value, home equity credit accounts (HELs and HELOCs together) represent a full 75 percent of consumer credit portfolios with HELOCs having a 45 percent share of the market and HELs a 30 percent share. Of course, the popularity of HELOCs may subside if interest rates continue to rise.
Whichever home equity product you decide on be certain to shop for the best deal possible. The market is extremely competitive and there are many non-traditional options, including on-line lenders and credit unions, which should be considered in addition to your local bank.
Home Equity Loan Information - What Is A Home Equity Line Of Credit?
Did you know that if you have a home that you’ve been paying on for years, you may have a lot of usable money right under your nose? What’s more, a home equity loan just may be the perfect way to get your hands on that money!
Here’s how it works. Let’s imagine that your home mortgage is for $250,000, but after years of paying on that note, you only owe the mortgage company $100,000. In this instance, you would have $150,000 in equity in your home. A home equity loan is a specific type of loan that will allow you to borrow against that equity.
Why would you want to do this? The number one reason that people take out home equity loans is as a means to consolidate their debt. Because a home equity loan is a secured loan, the interest rates are considerably lower than that of credit credits or personal loans. And so if a person had $10,000 in credit card debt, they could reduce the total amount of owed—as well as their monthly payments—by taking out a home equity loan and using the cash to pay off their credit card debt.
Another great reason for taking out a home equity loan is to make improvements on your home. Have you been thinking about adding a swimming pool to your backyard? A greenhouse to your yard? A new bedroom or bathroom addition? A home equity loan is a great way to finance those types of projects.
Your first step should be to talk to your current mortgage company about your options, but don’t stop there. You will quickly find that there are plenty of companies who are willing to lend you money against your house, and so you should shop around for the best deal.
And that brings us to our final point. A home equity loan is secured by your home. What that means is that if you don’t make the payments on time, the lender will have the right to take your home and sell it in order to collect on the debt. Make sure that you are in a position to pay back any amount you borrow against your home!
Here’s how it works. Let’s imagine that your home mortgage is for $250,000, but after years of paying on that note, you only owe the mortgage company $100,000. In this instance, you would have $150,000 in equity in your home. A home equity loan is a specific type of loan that will allow you to borrow against that equity.
Why would you want to do this? The number one reason that people take out home equity loans is as a means to consolidate their debt. Because a home equity loan is a secured loan, the interest rates are considerably lower than that of credit credits or personal loans. And so if a person had $10,000 in credit card debt, they could reduce the total amount of owed—as well as their monthly payments—by taking out a home equity loan and using the cash to pay off their credit card debt.
Another great reason for taking out a home equity loan is to make improvements on your home. Have you been thinking about adding a swimming pool to your backyard? A greenhouse to your yard? A new bedroom or bathroom addition? A home equity loan is a great way to finance those types of projects.
Your first step should be to talk to your current mortgage company about your options, but don’t stop there. You will quickly find that there are plenty of companies who are willing to lend you money against your house, and so you should shop around for the best deal.
And that brings us to our final point. A home equity loan is secured by your home. What that means is that if you don’t make the payments on time, the lender will have the right to take your home and sell it in order to collect on the debt. Make sure that you are in a position to pay back any amount you borrow against your home!
Is It Risky Taking Out A Home Equity Loan In 2007?
Is the party over for people looking for home equity loans? It may be, by the looks of the financial reports coming in from 2006. It seems that there was a slowing down in the housing market at the end of last year. House prices have started to slowly fall although they are still higher than they were last year and the number of people looking to take out new mortgages has started to decrease.
Many home owners have had a bonanza this past couple of years by freeing up the increasing equity in their home to purchase big ticket items like cars, home improvements and using their home as a virtual ATM machine to make up the difference that maybe lacking in their take home income. But as easy at it maybe have been to get the new home equity loan it all has to be paid off, with interest, added to the fact of declining house prices and a few home owners could be putting themselves to added risk.
Last week the federal regulators to gain some control have advised banks and lending agencies from offering interest only loans they have people needed to purchase homes at today’s prices. Interest rates have risen by more than three percencentage points since mid 2005 which have had the effect of slowing up consumer spending and slowing up the housing market. Although this has worked well up this point in time the housing market has now become nearly half of last years growth rate and has been estimated to have given one million extra jobs to the economy. To avoid putting this in jeopardy it’s thought interest rates may be cut back to protect this. So what about 2007, it looks like the property market will still remain strong this year but take you time and shop around for the best deals before taking out a home equity loan.
Many home owners have had a bonanza this past couple of years by freeing up the increasing equity in their home to purchase big ticket items like cars, home improvements and using their home as a virtual ATM machine to make up the difference that maybe lacking in their take home income. But as easy at it maybe have been to get the new home equity loan it all has to be paid off, with interest, added to the fact of declining house prices and a few home owners could be putting themselves to added risk.
Last week the federal regulators to gain some control have advised banks and lending agencies from offering interest only loans they have people needed to purchase homes at today’s prices. Interest rates have risen by more than three percencentage points since mid 2005 which have had the effect of slowing up consumer spending and slowing up the housing market. Although this has worked well up this point in time the housing market has now become nearly half of last years growth rate and has been estimated to have given one million extra jobs to the economy. To avoid putting this in jeopardy it’s thought interest rates may be cut back to protect this. So what about 2007, it looks like the property market will still remain strong this year but take you time and shop around for the best deals before taking out a home equity loan.
The Lowest Interest Rate Home Equity Loan? Is Rate The Most Important Factor?
Although homeowners place a lot of emphasis on obtaining the lowest interest rate on their home equity loan, getting the lowest rate may not necessarily be the most important factor. Before applying and accepting a home equity loan, several factors need to be considered. Here are a few tips to help you select the best home equity loan.
How Interest Rates Affect Home Equity Loans
Every type of loan from home mortgages to car loans incur interest. The interest rate is tacked onto the loan, which will increase the final purchase price. A person's credit history has a major role in the rate offered. Thus, many people attempt to maintain a good credit rating with the hopes of getting a low rate.
The interest rate obtained on a home equity loan may greatly increase monthly payments. This mainly affects homeowners with a low credit score. Because many homeowners focus much of their attention on getting the lowest rate, many fail to consider other factors.
Fixed Rate vs. Adjustable Rate
Prior to applying for a home equity loan, homeowners must consider the advantages and disadvantages of a fixed rate and adjustable rate home equity loan. Adjustable rate home equity loans offer initial low rates, which equals lower monthly payments. However, rates may greatly increase in the future, which could pose a financial hardship.
On the other hand, fixed rate home equity loans have locked rates, which remain the same. Fixed rates are slightly higher than adjustable rates. Yet, many homeowners receive comfort from the predictability of payments.
Home Equity Loan Terms
Another factor to consider is the loan term. Home equity loans have varying terms. On average, loan lengths are five to fifteen years. Fixed terms make home equity loans a better option than credit cards. If selecting a home equity line of credit, a typical term is ten years.
How Much Can You Afford?
Many homeowners make the mistake of borrowing too much from their equity. When this happens, borrowers have a difficult time repaying the money. Keep in mind that home equity loans use your home as collateral. Defaulting on the loan or making irregular payments increases the risk of losing your home.
How Interest Rates Affect Home Equity Loans
Every type of loan from home mortgages to car loans incur interest. The interest rate is tacked onto the loan, which will increase the final purchase price. A person's credit history has a major role in the rate offered. Thus, many people attempt to maintain a good credit rating with the hopes of getting a low rate.
The interest rate obtained on a home equity loan may greatly increase monthly payments. This mainly affects homeowners with a low credit score. Because many homeowners focus much of their attention on getting the lowest rate, many fail to consider other factors.
Fixed Rate vs. Adjustable Rate
Prior to applying for a home equity loan, homeowners must consider the advantages and disadvantages of a fixed rate and adjustable rate home equity loan. Adjustable rate home equity loans offer initial low rates, which equals lower monthly payments. However, rates may greatly increase in the future, which could pose a financial hardship.
On the other hand, fixed rate home equity loans have locked rates, which remain the same. Fixed rates are slightly higher than adjustable rates. Yet, many homeowners receive comfort from the predictability of payments.
Home Equity Loan Terms
Another factor to consider is the loan term. Home equity loans have varying terms. On average, loan lengths are five to fifteen years. Fixed terms make home equity loans a better option than credit cards. If selecting a home equity line of credit, a typical term is ten years.
How Much Can You Afford?
Many homeowners make the mistake of borrowing too much from their equity. When this happens, borrowers have a difficult time repaying the money. Keep in mind that home equity loans use your home as collateral. Defaulting on the loan or making irregular payments increases the risk of losing your home.
Fixed Rate Home Equity Loan - Is A Fixed Rate Your Best Option?
Although home equity loans are risky, these loans serve many useful purposes. By tapping into your home's equity, you have the opportunity to access extra money for home improvements, debt consolidation, etc. Furthermore, homeowners may choose between two home equity options. Similar to other types of loans, home equity loans also incur interest. Many homeowners choose a fixed rate option. However, this may not always be the best choice.
Advantages of a Home Equity Loan
When needing extra funds, many people rely on credit cards or apply for small personal bank loans. However, credit cards have ridiculously high finance fees, which make repayment difficult, whereas banks have inflexible lending requirements.
Home equity loans are easier to qualify for, and it is possible to get approved with a less than perfect credit rating. The interest rate on these loans is much lower than the average credit card. Secondly, because of fixed terms, most homeowners are able to repay the loan in five to ten years.
What is a Fixed Rate Home Equity Loan?
If choosing a fixed rate option, the interest rate on the home loan will continue the same throughout the entire length of the loan. Although mortgage rates are currently low, home equity loans tend to be somewhat higher than first mortgages. Still, these loans offer comparably low rates.
Benefits of a Fixed Rate Home Equity Loan
Fixed rate home equity loans offer stability. Because of changing market trends, mortgage loan rates can increase and decrease at any given moment. Those who choose a fixed rate home equity loan are not affected by changing rates. Thus, if rates skyrocket in the future, individuals who selected a fixed rate will continue to pay low rates.
Other Interest Rate Options
Although a fixed rate home equity loan affords predictable monthly payments, homeowners also have the option of an adjustable rate home equity loan. Before selecting this option, homeowners should be informed of the pros and cons. Initially, adjustable rate loans have low interest rates. However, low rates are not always guaranteed. Adjustable rate loans will increase or decrease according to market trends.
Advantages of a Home Equity Loan
When needing extra funds, many people rely on credit cards or apply for small personal bank loans. However, credit cards have ridiculously high finance fees, which make repayment difficult, whereas banks have inflexible lending requirements.
Home equity loans are easier to qualify for, and it is possible to get approved with a less than perfect credit rating. The interest rate on these loans is much lower than the average credit card. Secondly, because of fixed terms, most homeowners are able to repay the loan in five to ten years.
What is a Fixed Rate Home Equity Loan?
If choosing a fixed rate option, the interest rate on the home loan will continue the same throughout the entire length of the loan. Although mortgage rates are currently low, home equity loans tend to be somewhat higher than first mortgages. Still, these loans offer comparably low rates.
Benefits of a Fixed Rate Home Equity Loan
Fixed rate home equity loans offer stability. Because of changing market trends, mortgage loan rates can increase and decrease at any given moment. Those who choose a fixed rate home equity loan are not affected by changing rates. Thus, if rates skyrocket in the future, individuals who selected a fixed rate will continue to pay low rates.
Other Interest Rate Options
Although a fixed rate home equity loan affords predictable monthly payments, homeowners also have the option of an adjustable rate home equity loan. Before selecting this option, homeowners should be informed of the pros and cons. Initially, adjustable rate loans have low interest rates. However, low rates are not always guaranteed. Adjustable rate loans will increase or decrease according to market trends.
Best Home Equity Loan Interest Rate - What Is The Best Rate You Can Get?
When applying for a home equity loan, getting a good interest rate is generally a primary concern. Because of a wide variety of mortgage lenders, finding the best rate can be challenging. Each lender has different lending requirements. Furthermore, low rates may be reserved for applicants with excellent credit. Here are a few tips for getting a low rate on your home equity loan.
Selecting a Home Equity Loan Program
There are many different home equity loan programs. Moreover, each loan option offers varying interest rates. Before choosing the best rate available, homeowners must decide on a particular home equity loan option. For example, will you take advantage of the full equity amount, or only borrow a portion of the equity. Decisions of this sort will impact the interest rate received.
Adjustable Rate Home Equity Loans
If seeking low monthly payments, a home equity loan with an adjustable rate may be a suitable option. These types of loans afford low initial payments because they offer low introductory rates. However, interest rates may fluctuate after the initial period. Homeowners may either repay the loan before interest rates increase or prepare to pay higher monthly payments in the future.
Fixed Rate Home Equity Loans
Although fixed rate home equity loans offer higher interest rates than adjustable rate loans, many homeowners choose this option because monthly payments are predictable. When selecting an adjustable rate, the interest rate may greatly decrease in the future. Higher payments could create a financial burden. Because home equity loans are secured by the home, some homeowners do not want to risk losing their home due to defaulting on the loan.
Getting the Best Home Equity Loan Rate
Regardless of the home equity rate chosen, most interest rates are based on personal credit history. If attempting to get the best rate possible, homeowners should review their current credit standing. It's no secret that good credit applicants obtain better rates.
Furthermore, request quotes from various mortgage lenders. Sometimes, obtaining the best rate possible is simply a matter of comparison shopping and exploring all lending options. Quotes are no-obligation and include offers from up to four different lenders.
Selecting a Home Equity Loan Program
There are many different home equity loan programs. Moreover, each loan option offers varying interest rates. Before choosing the best rate available, homeowners must decide on a particular home equity loan option. For example, will you take advantage of the full equity amount, or only borrow a portion of the equity. Decisions of this sort will impact the interest rate received.
Adjustable Rate Home Equity Loans
If seeking low monthly payments, a home equity loan with an adjustable rate may be a suitable option. These types of loans afford low initial payments because they offer low introductory rates. However, interest rates may fluctuate after the initial period. Homeowners may either repay the loan before interest rates increase or prepare to pay higher monthly payments in the future.
Fixed Rate Home Equity Loans
Although fixed rate home equity loans offer higher interest rates than adjustable rate loans, many homeowners choose this option because monthly payments are predictable. When selecting an adjustable rate, the interest rate may greatly decrease in the future. Higher payments could create a financial burden. Because home equity loans are secured by the home, some homeowners do not want to risk losing their home due to defaulting on the loan.
Getting the Best Home Equity Loan Rate
Regardless of the home equity rate chosen, most interest rates are based on personal credit history. If attempting to get the best rate possible, homeowners should review their current credit standing. It's no secret that good credit applicants obtain better rates.
Furthermore, request quotes from various mortgage lenders. Sometimes, obtaining the best rate possible is simply a matter of comparison shopping and exploring all lending options. Quotes are no-obligation and include offers from up to four different lenders.
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