Home equity loans and lines of credit (HELOCs) allow homeowners to tap into the value they have built up in their homes.
They are a great way to access funds for renovations, education expenses, debt consolidation or large purchases. They also offer fixed interest rates, which make monthly budgeting easier.
The Different Types of Mortgages
There are a variety of mortgage types, including home equity loans, HELOCs and cash-out refinances. Each type offers a different advantage and should be considered carefully when deciding which option is right for you.
A home equity loan, also known as a second mortgage, lets you tap into your built-up home equity for any purpose. It can be used to finance a wide range of expenses, from education expenses and renovations to medical bills and even vacations.
These loans typically come with fixed rates and terms, which means your payments will stay the same throughout the life of the loan. This can be a good choice for people who want to lock in a low rate, but it can also be risky if you havent made much progress paying off your original mortgage.
A HELOC, on the other hand, offers access to a credit line that you can draw from as needed. It works similarly to a credit card, but you dont pay interest until youve used up the money youre borrowing.
If you have a high credit score and strong equity, you may qualify for a low interest rate with a HELOC. Its worth examining your credit history and debt-to-income ratio before applying for this type of financing, though, since many lenders require a credit score of 620 or above to approve these loans.
The main pitfall of using your home as collateral for a home equity loan is that you could end up facing foreclosure if you cant repay the loan. This is especially true if youre taking out a larger home equity loan than you need, such as to finance an expensive home improvement project.
Another pitfall is that these loans are often a tempting way to splurge on things youd otherwise need to pay for out-of-pocket, such as clothing, food and other essentials. This can lead to over-spending and a spiraling debt cycle that leaves you unable to make ends meet in the long run.
Home equity loans, HELOCs and cash-out mortgage refinances are all ways to take advantage of the value of your home. Regardless of which option you choose, be sure to shop around for the best rate. Use Bankrates tools to compare interest rates, fees and more from a variety of lenders that can help you determine which one is the right fit for you.
Fixed-Rate Mortgage
Home equity loans are a common way to borrow money, and they come in a variety of terms. They range from five to 30 years and are a great choice for debt consolidation, home renovations or other major expenses.
These types of mortgages typically feature fixed interest rates for the life of the loan, which can help protect you from rising interest rates. You can also choose to make extra payments or refinance if you want to pay off your loan sooner.
The biggest benefit of a fixed-rate mortgage is that your monthly payment will stay the same for the entire term, even when real estate taxes or insurance increase. That makes it easier to budget and keep track of your spending.
Another benefit of a fixed-rate mortgage is its amortization schedule, which means that your monthly payments will gradually be split between principal and interest. During the early stages of your mortgage, a larger share will go to interest, but as time goes on, more of your payment will be used to pay down your principal.
However, be aware that these mortgages are usually more expensive than other options. In addition to the interest rate, they also have closing costs and other fees associated with them.
If you have a high credit score, this type of loan can be an excellent option for you. Most lenders will require a credit score of at least 620, and some may even set minimums between 660 and 680.
You can use a fixed-rate home equity loan to finance a variety of projects, including buying a car or paying for college. In addition, the interest on a home equity loan is usually tax-deductible.
The main disadvantage of a fixed-rate mortgage is that it can be more difficult to qualify for. Lenders look at your credit history and debt-to-income ratio when determining your eligibility.
These types of mortgages are best for people who can afford to make large payments over a long period of time, as well as those who want a stable interest rate. Its also a good option for those who want to get a lump sum of cash for a special purchase or project.
Adjustable-Rate Mortgage
If you’re a home buyer who’s stretching your budget to purchase a home, an adjustable-rate mortgage (ARM) may be a good option for you. ARMs offer low interest rates during their initial period, making them more affordable than fixed-rate mortgages. However, borrowers should understand that once the introductory rate ends, payments can fluctuate significantly and can get out of hand.
The most common type of ARM is the standard ARM, which accounts for nearly all of the ARMs issued by lenders. These loans are government-backed and carry caps on how often the interest rate can change. Other types of ARMs include interest-only ARMs and payment option ARMs.
In addition to their low introductory rates, ARMs can save borrowers money over the long term by allowing them to build equity in their homes more quickly. Moreover, they’re available on lower- or no-down-payment mortgages, which can help buyers with a limited income to buy their dream homes.
ARMs are also an attractive option for homeowners who want to sell their homes and move before the loan adjusts. For example, a 5/1 ARM has a fixed rate for the first five years of the loan and then changes to an adjustable rate, while a 10/6 ARM has a fixed rate for the initial 10 years and then switches to an adjustable rate.
Because ARMs don’t have the same level of security as fixed-rate mortgages, they aren’t the right choice for everyone. In particular, borrowers who plan to stay in their homes for decades should be cautious about this type of mortgage.
Another downside is that the ARM interest rate can go up or down, depending on market conditions at any time during the loan’s life. Fortunately, most lenders have a cap on how much your mortgage rate can increase during the first adjustment period and throughout the loan’s life.
The ARM calculator at Bankrate can help you make the most informed decision about whether or not this type of loan is right for you. It will take your income, credit score and other financial information into account to determine whether or not an ARM is right for you.
Interest Rates
Home equity loans are a type of second mortgage that let you tap into the value of your home for a lump sum of cash. You use the funds for a wide variety of expenses, including paying off high-interest debts like credit cards and home improvement projects.
The interest rate you pay on a home equity loan or line of credit depends on many factors, including your credit history and debt-to-income (DTI) ratio. Lenders typically offer a range of rates and terms, so it’s important to shop around for the best option.
If you have good credit and enough equity in your home, a home equity loan is likely to be the best choice for you. These loans have lower interest rates than other types of financing, and they often come with more money upfront than personal loans or credit cards, which can be helpful for one-time purchases.
In some cases, a home equity loan may be the only option available for a particular type of expense, such as a home improvement project or paying for medical bills. It’s also a good idea to consider a home equity line of credit, or HELOC, if you need more flexibility.
Another advantage of a home equity loan is that it comes with a fixed interest rate, which helps protect you from rising mortgage rates. These fixed-rate loans have terms ranging from five to 30 years.
Some lenders may be willing to waive certain closing costs or fees, which can make the process cheaper. Check the terms of any lender you are considering and make sure they cover these costs, which can be a major expense for most people.
You’ll also want to review the terms of your home equity loan or line of credit carefully, particularly the repayment term. The longer the term, the lower your monthly payments will be, but you will likely pay more in interest over time.
The interest rate you receive on a home equity loan or line of credits will depend on many factors, including your credit history and the lender’s policies. For the best rates, it’s a good idea to shop around for several options and talk to as many lenders as possible.