How to Get a Home Equity Loan
Now, more than ever, money is tight for American families. Whether you're trying to finish a home
remodel, send your child to college, need a medical procedure, or simply meet your monthly bills-
a Home Equity Loan (HEL) may be the answer.
How to Get a Home Equity Loan:
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First and foremost, it's imperative that you understand your options. A HEL uses the equity
you have in your home as collateral to secure the loan. In other words, the bank has the right
to seize possession of your home in the event that you default on the payments. It's important
to note that a HEL is different than a Home Equity Line Of Credit (HELOC). A HELOC acts much
like a credit card, meaning that you are allowed to spend the funds as you wish under a
pre-determined limit. In most cases, there is a minimum monthly payment with the option to
pay off as much as you like. A HEL provides the loan in a lump sum with fixed monthly payments
to be repaid over a set period of time. With a HEL, you can also opt for a fixed interest rate
or an adjustable rate that changes according to the prime rates.
- Decide how much money you want to borrow. Keep in mind that you can only borrow the amount
of equity you have in your home. For example, a $200,000 home with a $100,000 mortgage has
$100,000 in equity. And, as with most types of loans, the amount that you can borrow depends
on factors, including: income, debts, value of your home, and credit history.
- The next step is the application process itself. Select the lender of your choice- check
with the lender that your first mortgage is with. It's also a good idea to check with a multiple
lender service. You'll need the following documentation: proof of income, proof of home
ownership, proof that a minimum of 20 percent of your home is paid off. Most lenders will
also require an appraisal to be completed.
In a recession, just about everyone is strapped for cash- a home equity loan may offer
the best solution. With a HEL, you benefit with lower interest rates and the interest is often tax deductible.
- Pending your signature on the terms and conditions contract, you will receive the amount of the
loan in cash. Loan amounts commonly range anywhere from $100-$10,000 at an interest rate of 10%-17%.
More on how to get a home equity loan.