A General Guide to Home Equity Loans

A General Guide to Home Equity Loans

A home equity loan is a loan that is available to homeowners. In the most basic sense a loan is a sum of money that is borrowed by a person or company and then repaid, with interest (a percentage of the loan amount, usually calculated on an annual basis), over a set period of time. Two principal parties are involved in loan transactions: a borrower (the party borrowing the money) and a lender (the party lending the money).

The two basic types of loans are secured and unsecured. In obtaining a secured loan the borrower presents the lender with some piece of property (for example, an automobile), of which the lender can claim ownership in the event the borrower fails to repay the loan (also known as defaulting on a loan). This property is known as collateral. Unsecured loans, on the other hand, do not require the borrower to have collateral. A home equity loan is a form of secured loan, in that the borrower uses his or her house as collateral to secure the loan. People take out home equity loans for various purposes, such as undertaking home improvements or paying off debt (something-for example, money, a piece of property, or a service-that an individual owes to another individual or an entity).

In almost all cases a home equity loan will represent the second loan a borrower secures using his or her house as collateral. Because houses are very expensive, most homebuyers must first take out a loan to purchase a house. These home loans (commonly known as mortgages) are for large amounts of money and are repaid in monthly installments over a long period of time, typically 30 years. As time passes the value of the home will usually increase (a process known as appreciation), while the total of the mortgage that remains to be paid gradually decreases. The difference between the value of the house and the amount remaining on the mortgage is known as equity. Put another way equity represents the amount of money a homeowner is able to retain after he or she sells the home and pays off the remainder of the mortgage. For example, say a couple purchases a home for $200,000. They pay $20,000 up front (known as a down payment) and then take out a loan for the remaining $180,000. On the day they complete the purchase of the house (also known as the closing), the couple has $20,000 in equity (in other words the original down payment). Two years later their house is valued at $220,000, and the amount remaining on their mortgage is $176,000. In this scenario the couple would have $44,000 in equity on their home. With home equity loans the amount of money a homeowner can borrow depends on the amount of equity he or she has in the house. Traditionally this type of home loan is referred to as a second mortgage.

The two basic types of home equity loans are closed end and open end. A closed-end home equity loan involves a fixed amount of money; the borrower receives the entire amount of the loan (known as a lump sum) upon completing the loan agreement process (or closing). Closed-end home equity loans usually have fixed interest rates (in other words the interest rate remains the same for the life of the loan). Typically the amount of the loan will depend on the amount of equity the borrower has in his or her house; the loan amount might also depend to some degree on the borrower's credit rating (in other words whether he or she has a proven record of paying off debts in a timely manner). In most cases a borrower is able to borrow up to 100 percent of the equity he or she has in a house. When economists talk about second mortgages they are typically referring to closed-end home equity loans.

With open-end home equity loans, on the other hand, the borrower does not take the lump sum of the loan amount all at once. Instead the borrower receives the loan as credit (that is, as a maximum amount of money he or she can borrow), which the borrower can use as desired. This type of home equity loan is commonly referred to as a home equity line of credit (HELOC). The borrower can take money out of a HELOC at any time and is only required to pay back the amount he or she actually uses. A HELOC is subject to what is known as a draw period, during which the borrower is entitled to borrow money, up to the total amount of the loan, whenever he or she wants. In this way open-end home equity loans give the borrower a greater amount of flexibility. Most open-end home equity loans have variable, or adjustable, interest rates. These rates tend to change over the life of the loan.

Home Improvement Loans Or Rehab Loans - Many Loan Products to Choose From

Home Improvement Loans Or Rehab Loans - Many Loan Products to Choose From

For homeowners who need a home improvement loan, a remodeling loan or a rehab loan, they should weigh all of their options first. Home improvement loans and rehab loans are great alternatives for those who don't have the cash on hand or don't want to tap into their reserves. Remodeling loans will vary in terms and rates depending on which type of loan you select for your remodeling project. The lowest cost home improvement loans are the home improvement loans that are secured with a mortgage.

There are many choices for financing home remodeling projects. There is the 203K F.H.A. mortgage loan, a closed end second mortgage, or a home equity line of credit while others find it easier and less costly to refinance their first mortgage and include the remodeling project into the new loan. Each type of loan has its advantages and there are no rules that apply to everyone in every situation. For some, the choices will be limited due to underwriting restrictions while others will have a wide variety of types of loans to choose from.

The interest rates on all of these loans will vary daily with the market but mortgage loan pricing is risk driven. The greater the risk to the lender, the higher the rate on the loan. For instance, a mortgage loan that takes a second lien position will have a higher interest rate than a mortgage loan that is in the first lien position. This is because in the event of default, the first mortgage holder gets satisfied first and if there is anything left, the second mortgage holder may get paid. The greater the L.T.V. (loan to value) the higher the rate because a high L.T.V. means the loan has a greater risk for the lien holder.

Some homeowners may take the time to overhaul their finances and combine a debt consolidation loan with their home improvement loan. In some instances the savings of the debt consolidation may make the payments on their remodeling loan. The 203K loan above is interesting because value after improvement is considered when the loan is underwritten. Many times this is the perfect loan for major rehabbing of a property. Whatever your situation, the first step is to contact a mortgage expert who has many loan products available. In doing so, they will reduce their chances of being force fitted into a bad loan.

Home Equity Loan Advice For the Perplexed

Home Equity Loan Advice For the Perplexed

If you're wondering about home equity loans, the basics are pretty simple. These kinds of loans are secured by the equity in your house. In other words, if you have paid off at least a part of your home mortgage, then you have a certain percentage of ownership in your home.
You can borrow against this ownership and use the funds for a variety of reasons. Home equity loans were originally meant to be used for financing home improvements. However, they are now being used in many more situations such as paying off high interest credit card debt or financing a new car purchase.
Of course, borrowing against your house to buy a new car is not exactly the smartest thing you could with the funds. Paying off high interest debt, however, would be a wiser use of your funds.
Even so, it is important to examine your situation thoroughly before you make the commitment involved with a home equity loan. After all, if your current debt situation is a result of your lack of self control, you need to address the spending habits.
Otherwise, the home equity loan will be a temporary escape, but in the long run it will end up being just another loan. Always remember that these kinds of loans are still debt!
If you can make the commitment to control your spending, however, the home equity loans can be a valuable tool to help you get out of debt. Another point to consider is that with a home equity line of credit, the funds do not have to be spent immediately. Just like with a credit card, you can use the credit whenever you need it. If you don't use it, you will not owe anything.
You may want to consider applying for a home equity line of credit even if you don't see the immediate need for it. If you have a good job and a good financial history, you should be able to obtain this line of credit. If you have any financial catastrophe in the future, this line of credit can be very useful to you. Just remember to exert some self control and save the line of credit for when you need it the most!
If you would like more information about home equity loan advice as well as general information on finding debt relief, please visit http://findingdebtrelief.info

Equity Home Rates and Loan Negotiation

Equity rates is a very difficult subject to most people and because taking a home loan is a very big and often life changing decision, hopefully this article can help you get a better understanding about home equity rates.

Everyone who is thinking about applying for a home equity loan or a mortgage has to consider slight differences of rates in the states they are living in, because the rates vary in the different states. Equity rates are variable with the changes in the economy.

Equity rates are controlled by several aspects, banks have a small impact on the rates while the Federal Government observe the economy inflation statistics to find out if the equity rates need to go up or down. Rates are different in Washington compared to New York, for example in July 2008 the equity rates for a $75K home equity loan FICO where 7.70% for Washington while in New York the rates where 7.55%. These are also vary on the type of loan and of course the length of the home loan.

Don't get scared off because equity rates vary so much from state to state, to more you learn about it the easier it will become. Like with any subject the beginning is always a little harder.

As you know now, your state is calculated into the rates on home equity loans. Thus, when requesting for an equity loan, it makes perfect sense that you know what the rates are in your current state to get ready to talk terms with the lenders. It really is of no importance if you are an investor when requesting for equity loans because the only thing that matters is finding the best deals. You have to know that almost all lenders are rivals of each other and almost all of them will listen to your negotiation when discussing home loans. You have to keep informed and up to date on current rates and loan offerings if you are to negotiate.

As a final note, when considering home equity loans, you have to stick to the advice offered to avoid any losses. By listening to the advice, you can be prepared for the future, and spare yourself of financial burden.

Think about what you just have been reading about equity rates and I'm sure you will do a great job next time you are negotiating for a home equity loan.

Timmy Deleu is the Author and Leading Expert on Equity Rates and writes on the blog http://www.equityrates.co.uk - Go see the blog now to keep informed on the latest news on Equity Home Rates.

Debt Consolidation Home Equity Loans - Reduce Debt and Improve Credit Score

Debt Consolidation Home Equity Loans - Reduce Debt and Improve Credit Score

A home equity loan may be the solution to your looming debt problems. You can obtain an second mortgage loan, even if you have bad credit. With the loan you can consolidate all of your debt into one easy to make payment.

Before you can obtain an equity home loan, make sure you have equity in your home; you must owe less on your home than what it is currently valued at. The difference between your home's current assessed value and your balance is the amount of equity you have in your home.

Advantages

Home equity loans are a great way to consolidate your other debt, because you can often obtain a much lower interest rate than with traditional loans or credit cards. By consolidating all of your debt into an equity loan, you will pay off your debt quicker and will actually save money in the long run from a much lower interest rate.

If your monthly payments are too much for you to pay this loan loan can also help you. Often times, when you consolidate your bills into an equity loan, you will actually be able to pay out less money each month and you don't have to worry about falling behind on your payments.

Disadvantages

Using a home equity mortgage loan to consolidate your bills is not without risks. With the loan, you are using your home as collateral. This means if you cannot make the monthly payments or cannot continue paying off the loan, you could potentially lose your home.

With that said, before obtaining an equity mortgage loan to consolidate your debt, you will need to closely evaluate the situation and make sure you will be able to pay off the loan with no problems.

Finding Reputable Home Equity Lenders

You can obtain a second mortgage loan through a variety of different lenders. You can check with your current mortgage company to see what type of terms they can offer you. Also remember to check with online companies as well as other local financial institutions.

When choosing a company, only choose a reputable one. Make sure that you work with a lender that offers you the best terms and rates available. As some institutions will charge a fee should you choose to pay off the loan early, be sure you choose one that will not charge you if you plan to do so.

Debt consolidation can often be a great way to easily lower your monthly payments as well as quickly improve your credit score. And a home equity loan is one of excellent sources to help you consolidate your debt. If you do your homework, you could be on the right path to paying off your debt.

Get more debt consolidation home equity loans information to help you in using a home equity loan for debt consolidation at http://www.DebtFirms.com - Plus, you can learn many great ways to reduce and eventually eliminate your debt.

Documents Needed For Home Loan

Documents Needed For Home Loan

As you have made up a mind to take a home to loan buy your dream house. In today's internet world you start searching on net for best offer. Search engines will take you to the different banks and financial institution websites, which provide home loans. You should also visit websites which offer advices on home loans. From there you get the idea about best interest rates, and other important information related home loan.

After doing all the research about all the factors you apply for a home loan. But most important requirement to get loan is the documentation which is quite tough. In case you miss out any crucial document your home loan approval will get delayed or may be your application will be rejected.

The first thing is the filling of application form and signing it. Then go through the official site of the bank thoroughly to get information about the mandatory documents needed for applicants. The main documents required for home loan are Proof of age Proof of identity - passport, PAN card, ration card, voter ID card etc.

Banks and financial institutions have specified documents according to the applicant's category, purpose of loan, tenure, amount, etc. From the documentation column you can check the list of documents as per your category.

Salaried applicants

Salaried persons are required to submit salary slip of last three months showing all deductions along with current salary certificate, proof of continuity in job for last two years - either appointment and relieving letters or Form 16 for two years. Bank statement or pass book where salary has been credited for last six months, copy of appointment letter if employed for less than a year in current job, company profile for employees of a private limited company.

Documents related to Property

Khata certificate Latest property tax paid receipt EC for last 13 years, parent documents and all link documents for 13 years, approved plan receipts towards payments already made, in case of an old flat or house you are going to purchase - its sale agreement and title documents in favor of the seller, if you are buying a newly constructed flat then sale agreement or construction agreement with builder, total cost break-up on builder's letterhead (in case of new flat).

To get refinance

In case of getting refinance you have to submit details of previous loan availed outstanding loan balance letter with foreclosure charges Letter of acknowledgment for deposit of title deeds.

Documents for self - employed

Self employed persons have to submit additional documents to get home loan. These are profile of business on the letterhead of the company, proof of IT returns for last three years, computation of income certified by a chartered accountant along with profit and loss account and balance sheets for three years, business and personal account bank statement for last one year and copy of professional certificate in case of a professional.

One thing to take care of is marginal money since banks calculate percentage according to your income and moreover banks only lend 85 to 90 percent of the loan amount.

Usually the banks ensure that monthly repayments do not cross 40 percent of your take home salary. While scrutinizing the documents bank finds applicant has a poor repayment track record and have sufficient default record on previous debts, then there are very bleak chances of getting home loan

Which is Better - Home Equity Loan Or a No Cash Out Refinance?

Which is Better - Home Equity Loan Or a No Cash Out Refinance?

Every mortgage or refinance needs a target; something larger we're trying to accomplish beyond just buying/refinancing a home or investment property. The best loan isn't always the loan with the lowest rate, but the loan that helps you move forward financially.

Here are a few "Refinance Rules" you may want to consider.

These are rules aren't strict-rather they are just like the sites on a rifle...they help everyone get a focus.

Because a mortgage should not be an end in and of itself, but a means to a bigger end.

Top Refinance Rules...

#1) Eliminating Consumer Debt: (Non-tax deductible)

#2) Have a Savings Cushion: Ideally 3-6 months in a liquid interest-bearing account.

After you close on a home loan, you'll need a savings cushion. They focus so much on the mortgage rate, that they'll empty all their savings to buy a home. Not a good idea! Tell me, does it matter if you get the lowest rates in Texas if you don't have $500 left to your name after closing?

This is one reason why people should consider 95% loans. There's a myth out there that most people with good credit put 20% down--but most the 80-90-95% home loan clients are PhDs, teachers, physicians, engineers, Aggies, OU Sooners, who could easily put 5-10% down. They choose to keep mortgage down payments to a minimum so they can put more money elsewhere, like money markets, buying investment homes, etc.

Refinance Rule #3) Pay of home before 30 years and save a ton in interest.....you shouldn't pay for your house 3 times.

Go with the loan that moves you forward financially. If this is a 15 year refinance-great. But if you have debt and you're paying lots of money out each month-your best bet is going with a home equity loan. The fewer bills you have the better.

Mortgage rates go up and go down...so chasing a magical rate is kinda stressful. And waiting for the market to come your way takes you out of control of your finances. I mean, if rates are 7% and you're waiting on rates in the 4% range, you may be waiting a few years.

Have a strategy when going into the home loan or refinance- and "use" the mortgage to execute your game plan. Mortgages are just tools. And choosing the right tool is very important.

Ask yourself: "Is there a better way to approach a home loan or refinance than just trying to get some "magical low rate." Naturally, rate is important, closing costs are too, but let's try to blend two objectives. The more things you can accomplish with your refinance the better you will be and the better ROI you get from your closing costs.

For most people, they only aim at the mortgage rate. So what do mortgage companies do...they give low rates to these people. But With PMI...

PMI: Consider this, if your rate is 6.00% and the house payment is $1000. But your PMI is $200 month do you still think your rate is 6% if you're paying $1200/month? Why don't more people avoid PMI-it's almost always a waste of money. You guessed it. Home loans that are 80/20 or 80/10 or 80/15s have higher rates because these are riskier than single loans.

And did you know mortgage people make more money on single loans vs. 80/20s or 80/15/5 loans?

Or take 95% home loans...these rates are higher than 20% down. But sometimes people want to keep their money vs putting it towards a home. Maybe they are self-employed and can get a greater return on this money elsewhere or maybe they can take the 5% down and eliminate all their consumer debt. Each person is different and has different goals and incomes.

So how do we actually blend these goals of low rates with financial planning? What do the "Refinance rules" look like in real life.

Someone calls and says "I want to lower my rate. I want to lower monthly bills." Okay, great. That's pretty general. Sorta like most high school boys want a nice car and a pretty girlfriend. Who doesn't want this?

But what if we took at bigger approach to things and blended your goals for a refinance rule and added "eliminate consumer debt" to the equation. What loan would we choose if the objective was to reduce your family's overall monthly expenses-not just the mortgage?

Just focusing on the mortgage is fine-who doesn't want a lower home payment. But when we look at the mortgage in context of the overall family expenses we are really doing is improving your overall financial plan. This is what a financial planner truly needs to do. And all financial planning begins on the mortgage level. Because when you are out of debt you have more money to save, to invest, to build towards retirement.

And it all this begins on the mortgage level.

What's your current refinance goal? Maybe your situation might be "Hey Mr. Mortgage guy, what loan do you suggest that will help me retire at age 55."

Let's talk about Home Equity Loans: We recently helped a client get out of debt with a home equity loan. They'll save over $900/month. That's $10,800 a year they have in their checking accounts. Not theoretical money. Not the What Would Dave Ramsey Do (WWDR) approach of "cancel your cable and take the difference and put it into a municipal bond so you can make 1.3% over 10 years" But real money.

Financial planning truly begins on the mortgage level.

Home Equity Loans: If you are going to refinance, at least look at something larger than the mortgage rate. For example, let's say you're current mortgage is 7% and rates are at 5.75%. You'd really like to refinance and lower your bills. Let's say, if you took advantage of the 5.75% you'd save $100/month. Hey-that's progress!

But what if you took some equity out of your home and paid most/all of your non-tax deductible debt off in the process? This probably would save you $500-$700 month. Then you could take some of the savings and apply it to your principal and pay a 30 year mortgage off in 15-20 years. That is a very important step-and here is where I agree with Dave Ramsey-you must have a budget because without this you'll get back into debt.

Refinancing to get a low rate is good. The second approach moves you to an entirely different financial situation.

I mean, you're going to have closing costs anyway. Why not go with a home loan that will move you forward financially vs. one that will just save you $100.

Some people think home equity loans are not good. Gurus like Dave Ramsey don't encourage them. But if the numbers make sense-who's to argue? Is Dave Ramsey going to pay your bills for you?

Dave teaches some great time-tested fundamental principles. Most of which I agree with. Budgeting, saving, low debt...but the more I listen to his show the more I see his main goal is this: " Get to zero."

"Don't owe anyone anything"...which is good. He even throws some Bible verses around. Who could disagree with a simplistic message of getting to zero?

I don't think you win the financial game by getting to zero. I believe you get there when you have money. When you have assets. And anyone who takes a black and white approach to anything, I tend to disagree with. Few things in life are 100%-and money is no different. If you called Dave's show and said "Hey I make good money but I my retirement is iffy at best. I only have 30K in retirement and I'm 50 years old." He's likely to suggest you need to budget more, maybe cut out some vacations and buy another book of his.

If you called, me and you'd didn't have any goals of your own-I'd probably suggest the things that Dave suggest- but I'd encourage you to buy investment properties or some other growth vehicle. If your IRA is growing at 1-2% and we find some properties that are growing at 3-5-7% I'd might even encourage you to put more of your savings towards a higher yield vehicle like established real estate. No specs stuff. Then, with the right planning and discipline, you could retire with several properties that have equity.

Then, with these assets you could sell them or keep them and enjoy passive income during your retirement years. Whichever approach you take-you'll need to get some points on the board because "getting to zero" is no long term game plan. Most people need to take the Dave Ramsey PLUS perspective.... Take the budgeting, savings, getting out of debt time-tested fundamentals--PLUS buying and keeping assets and starting businesses, even if you have to incur debt.

Because getting to zero should not be the goal and every mortgage should have a specific purpose to move you forward financially.

Texas Mortgage

http://www.mylendingplace.com/