What’s the Best Way to Access My Home’s Equity

Home equity loans and home equity lines of credit are worthwhile tools that offer homeowners easy access to cash for any purpose. Although similar, there are key differences that make these home equity products unique. You should clearly comprehend both options before tapping into your home’s available equity for your next home improvement project, purchase of a new car, etc..

Home market values are in a constant state of flux. The difference between a home’s market value and any outstanding mortgage(s) equals the available equity. For example, if a home’s value is estimated at $280,000, and you owe a mortgage lender $180,000, the available home equity equals $100,000. With either a home equity loan or line of credit, the homebuyer may choose to access all, or part of the home’s equity.

Benefits of a Home Equity Loan

Home equity loans are comparable to other forms of personal loans. In most cases, personal loans are secured with a vehicle title or some other piece of property as collateral. With a home equity product, your house is the collateral.

Most home equity loans offer low fixed rates and up to a 15-year pay back period. The homeowner receives cash in a lump sum and after closing the funds can be used for any purpose. As with ordinary loans, the homeowner may decide to pay the loan off faster than the amortization period.

Why Should I Choose a Home Equity Line of Credit?

As with home equity loans, home equity lines of credit are also based on the home’s underlying equity. But, instead of funds being received in a lump sum, lines of credit are essentially revolving credit accounts. If approved for a $50,000 home equity line of credit, a revolving credit account is established for this amount, and homeowners may withdraw funds up to this limit 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 Once money is withdrawn, payoff must be completed within 10 years in most cases.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.

If you’re shopping for a home equity loans or home equity line of credit Easy-Home-Equity-Loans.com can assist. Check out our website for today’s offerings, assistful advice and tips on securing the best home equity product for your needs.