Home equity line of credit: Do you really want one?
For the last few years the "home equity line of credit" has gotten a lot of attention.
Home equity is the value of your home minus the remaining mortgage balance which is outstanding. This equity can be used to cover cost and expenses you may have or be used on home remodeling projects you wish to do.
Why Would You Want an Equity Line of Credit?
Unlike a typical loan which deposits a set amount of money in your account and begins charging you interest and payments at a fixed rate until repaid, a line of credit acts as a revolving credit (like your credit card). You do not need to pay interest on the full amount you have access to -- you only pay for what you have used. Also, like a credit card, when the debt is repaid you still have access to the credit.
Using an equity line of credit (also known as a Home Equity Line of Credit or HELOC) gives you greater flexibility with the least cost. Not only can you access the credit only as you need it, but your monthly payments will reflect only the balanced used. The less used the lower your payment.
An equity line of credit is great when you don't have a large fixed amount to spend in one place that will take many years to repay and you want access to the credit without asking for a new loan when you have paid it back.
Do I have limits on what I can use the loan for???
We can all find lots of uses for a line of credit loan...but here are some of the most common examples.
Consolidate Debts
Use the home equity line to reduce or consolidate your other debt. Not only will this help your credit score...but it can help reduce your interest payments as well.
Second Mortgage
Take the HELOC and pay off or down the second loan on you home.
Add too, remodel, or travel.
Go on a vacation, re-do a room, or buy a car...all with a interest rate that is far lower then most credit cards. This fact alone makes it ideal for large cost purchases.
The Down Side of a Line of Credit.
While the before mentioned information sounds great...whats the rest of the it look like.
Some types of debt wont allow you to use a HELOC on them. Some student loans...or small business loans.
Other items like cars and vacations may seem like a good idea to buy with your home equity line of credit, but with the ability to pay only the interest you may find the motivation to pay off the debt is lacking and end up owing for items that have lost their value or were consumable. Plan to pay off the debt quickly for the most advantage.
Now refinancing a second mortgage may not be a good idea depending on interest rates and your repayment terms. While lines of credit take advantage of current low interest rates you may find that your regular loans protect you better from fluctuating rates if you will not be paying the loan down in the next few years.
Using your finances wisely can give you great relief and freedom. Before taking on any financial obligations it is important to understand the risks as well as the benefits. - 23208
Home equity is the value of your home minus the remaining mortgage balance which is outstanding. This equity can be used to cover cost and expenses you may have or be used on home remodeling projects you wish to do.
Why Would You Want an Equity Line of Credit?
Unlike a typical loan which deposits a set amount of money in your account and begins charging you interest and payments at a fixed rate until repaid, a line of credit acts as a revolving credit (like your credit card). You do not need to pay interest on the full amount you have access to -- you only pay for what you have used. Also, like a credit card, when the debt is repaid you still have access to the credit.
Using an equity line of credit (also known as a Home Equity Line of Credit or HELOC) gives you greater flexibility with the least cost. Not only can you access the credit only as you need it, but your monthly payments will reflect only the balanced used. The less used the lower your payment.
An equity line of credit is great when you don't have a large fixed amount to spend in one place that will take many years to repay and you want access to the credit without asking for a new loan when you have paid it back.
Do I have limits on what I can use the loan for???
We can all find lots of uses for a line of credit loan...but here are some of the most common examples.
Consolidate Debts
Use the home equity line to reduce or consolidate your other debt. Not only will this help your credit score...but it can help reduce your interest payments as well.
Second Mortgage
Take the HELOC and pay off or down the second loan on you home.
Add too, remodel, or travel.
Go on a vacation, re-do a room, or buy a car...all with a interest rate that is far lower then most credit cards. This fact alone makes it ideal for large cost purchases.
The Down Side of a Line of Credit.
While the before mentioned information sounds great...whats the rest of the it look like.
Some types of debt wont allow you to use a HELOC on them. Some student loans...or small business loans.
Other items like cars and vacations may seem like a good idea to buy with your home equity line of credit, but with the ability to pay only the interest you may find the motivation to pay off the debt is lacking and end up owing for items that have lost their value or were consumable. Plan to pay off the debt quickly for the most advantage.
Now refinancing a second mortgage may not be a good idea depending on interest rates and your repayment terms. While lines of credit take advantage of current low interest rates you may find that your regular loans protect you better from fluctuating rates if you will not be paying the loan down in the next few years.
Using your finances wisely can give you great relief and freedom. Before taking on any financial obligations it is important to understand the risks as well as the benefits. - 23208
About the Author:
Doc Schmyz has done real estate deals all over the US and Mexico. He built a free free website shares Real estate investing information for all over the US. Find Real estate investing information by state
posted by X - Men @ 4:35 AM
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