Understanding How Home Equity Loans Work
For many home owners who find themselves in a cash crunch, refinancing their homes may seem like the only way out. Fortunately, there is another financial solution which allows you to only borrow against what you have already paid into your home. These are called home equity loans.
Now, before you run out and apply for one of these life saving loans, it is important that you understand how home equity loans work. In this article, we will attempt to explain these loans to you in the simplest possible terms, making it easier for you to decide whether or not the loans may be the right choice for you.
The Basics Of Home Equity Loans
To show you how home equity loans work, we must first explain what, exactly, home equity is and how it is determined. Home equity is defined as the difference between the value of a home and the amount owed on it. For example: if you owe $40,000 on your original mortgage, and home currently appraises for $250,000; the amount of equity you have built in your home is $210,000. But you probably will not be able to borrow that entire amount.
How home equity loans work, is that most lenders will allow you to borrow up to 85% of the amount of equity you have built up. This will of course vary depending on the lender you choose, and your current credit history. If you are applying for a home equity loan and your credit is less than desirable, you may only be allowed to borrow up to 50% of the amount of equity built.
It is important when learning how home equity loans work to understand that you can choose a fixed or variable rate loan, just the same as when you applied for your first mortgage. A fixed rate home equity loan will ensure that your payments remain the same regardless of any changes in the current interest rate. With a variable interest rate loan, your payments will vary according to the interest rate flux.
Understanding how home equity loans work is only the beginning. It is up to you to make certain that you have all the documentation you need on hand when you apply for your new loan.
Having these, as well as a current appraisal for your home can help to ensure that the loan process goes more smoothly. So there you have it; how home equity loans work in a nutshell. Talk to your lender today about getting a home equity loan to cover your financial needs.
