If you’re a homeowner, it may have crossed your mind to use your home equity to get a second mortgage or perhaps apply for a HELOC; but how possible is it for you to get one? Are you sure that you can get HELOC or second mortgage approval with the recent changes in interest rates and mortgage rules? Do you know that getting a HELOC is not the same as applying for a second mortgage because they are entirely different types of home equity loans? We’ll talk about what you have to know regarding HELOCs and second mortgages in this write-up.
Both Second Mortgages and HELOCs are Secured Loans
Your home equity serves as the loan security or collateral when you decide to go for a second mortgage or a HELOC. The difference is in how you can access the funds. With a second mortgage, you can get the funds as a lump sum while with a HELOC, you can access as little or as much as the whole predetermined amount for a set span of time. With this difference, payment for a HELOC usually fluctuates on a monthly basis while payment for a second mortgage is a fixed monthly rate.
Missing Payments Can Mean Losing Your Home
The terms of both second mortgages and HELOCs state that the lender has a right to your home equity if you fail to make payments. To access your equity, the lender will liquidate your home. With this in mind, you have to be extra careful before signing up for these loans or risk losing your home if you default.
The Most Common Reason for Both Remains to Be Home Improvement
Most people get a HELOC or a second mortgage to finance home improvement or home renovation. Lately, more people are using HELOCs for debt consolidation too.
HELOCs and Second Mortgages Need Financial Planning
Because missing payments on second mortgages and HELOCs can have serious effects on your finances and life, you have to at least have a general idea of your cash flow so that you’ll be able to manage payments and other expenses in the future. Know that just because second mortgages and HELOCs are easier to apply for than primary mortgages do not mean that repercussions for nonpayment are less severe.
Be Ready for Pitfalls
HELOCs and second mortgages come with pitfalls too. One wrong decision can mean financial ruin more so if you simply decide to get one without guidance from mortgage professionals. For instance, a lot of people have the wrong notion that they can max out their home equity and things should be fine but that is not the case. Note that the bigger the amount you take out from your home equity, the bigger the interest rate and consequences for nonpayment and delayed payment will be.
Are you ready to get a second mortgage or are you planning to apply for a HELOC? Contact us today so that you can get answers for your home equity loan questions straight from mortgage professionals!