Deciding Between a Home Equity Loan and Home Equity Line of Credit
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.
What is 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 come with fixed rates and payments are usually amortized over 15 years. The homeowner receives the funds in a lump sum and after closing the funds can be used for any purpose. As with most loan products, the homeowner can decide to pay the loan quicker than the amortization period.
What is a Home Equity Line of Credit?
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Securing A Homeloan In A Time Of A recession. Is it Possible?
A recession brings on economic uncertainty. It’s one of those spiral effects. Consumers aren’t willing to spend money and banks aren’t always willing to lend it.
A recession is a good time to buy a home because interest rates tend to be lower, which will save the buyer thousands of dollars. But that doesn’t mean you should go into the home loan process unprepared. First of all, pull your credit report.
A high credit score is your key to getting in. Do not have a high credit score’ Especially during a recession your chances of getting approved are very low and even if you are approved, the interest rates will be extraordinarily.
Money in the bank is needed secondly. A direct deposit, between 15-20% is needed along with reserves. Reserves are the money put aside in the bank for repayment of the first two to three months of the loan. The bank needs to make sure you have the appropriate income for the loan.
Make sure you can verify your employment, income and assets. It’s not just enough to tell the home loan provider that you have a job and some money in the bank. You will need to provide documentation like paycheck stubs and bank account statements in order to secure a home loan.
This documentation is even more important if you are applying for a home loan during a recession because you need to prove to the lender that you can afford the home loan and will make your monthly home loan payments. Be prepared to provide at least three months worth of documentation. Collect the necessary documentation and have it on hand prior to applying for the home loan in order to speed up the application and approval process.
Although the current economy does not look promising, do not fear the chance of earning a loan. Home loaners still need business, but they will remain more selective until the economy changes. Inform the lender that you are speaking with other lenders and they will be more inclined to offer a cheaper deal.
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