Taking out a second mortgage can be an arduous process. There are so many options available that it is hard to know which is best for you. Below you will find five important things to know about one of the most common choices: the home equity line of credit (HELOC).
1. Flexibility
The HELOC is your best choice if flexibility is important to you. With these loans, you gain access to a predetermined amount of your home’s equity. You then can take as much or as little of that amount whenever you decide to do so. You then make payments on only what you have taken.
2. Low Closing Costs
With good to moderate credit, you can often obtain these loans with little or no closing costs upfront. While there may be an annual fee to maintain these lines of credit, they are usually very small compared to upfront closing costs.
3. Adjustable Rates
More often than not, HELOCs have adjustable rates tied to the prime rate. This can be a major drawback. In today’s unstable economy, you could see your rate rise several points over a few months, putting your home at risk if you cannot keep up with the rising payments.
4. Interest That Is Tax Deductible
The money you pay in interest yearly on these loans can be a deduction come tax time; however, you will need to be itemizing your deductions to reap this benefit.
5. Maximizing Equity Can Be Risky
Remember that whenever you place a lien against your home it is risky; however, maximizing your home’s equity can be the most detrimental move for your financial security. Before taking out a HELOC, make sure that there is not a less risky alternative available to meet your goal, i.e. an unsecured loan or a low interest credit card.
These features of HELOCs should help you decide whether or not this is the best way for you to access your home’s equity. If these things do not seem to fit your needs, you should investigate a fixed term second mortgage or a full refinance.
Recommended HELOC Lenders - We maintain a list of recommended mortgage companies online and update the list regularly.
Things to Know About HELOC’s- Read this article to learn more information about getting a HELOC.