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 always on the move. The difference between a home’s market value and any outstanding mortgage balance equals the equity. For example, if your home is valued at $180,000, and you owe the mortgage lender $80,000, then your available home equity equals $100,000. With a home equity loan, the homebuyer may choose to access all, or part of the home’s equity.
What is a Home Equity Loan?
Home equity loans are comparable to other forms of personal loans. While, personal loans are secured with a vehicle title or some other piece of property as collateral, with a home equity loan or line of credit, your house is the collateral.
Most home equity loans offer competitive fixed rates and payments that are amortized over 15 years. At closing, the homeowner receives the funds in a lump sum which can then be used towards any purpose. As with most loans, the homeowner may choose to pay the loan off faster than scheduled.
Why Should I Choose a Home Equity Line of Credit?
As with home equity loans, home equity lines of credit are offered based on the home’s underlying equity. But, instead of a lump sum payout, lines of credit are basically revolving credit accounts. If granted a $50,000 home equity line of credit, a revolving credit account is setup, and homeowners may withdraw funds up to this maximum 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 Once money is withdrawn, payoff must be completed within 10 years in most cases.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.
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