Home Equity Loan

Monday, January 07, 2008

How to calulate your home equity

How To Compute Your Home Equity
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Vanessa_A._Doctor]Vanessa A. Doctor

A home equity loan is one credit facility, which lets you borrow money using the equity in your property as collateral. Equity refers to the amount of money you've already paid on your mortgage. With such a loan, you can borrow against the equity, and what you do with the cash you get is up to you.

There are good and bad reasons for getting a loan. Before you start looking for one, ensure that you have a definite goal for the money, which is one that is part of a coherent strategy that will increase finances, and make the process of acquiring a home a relatively hassle-free one.

Basic Facts

Your home equity is that part of your home's value (in dollars) which is actually yours. In effectively computing it, follow these steps. First, you need to find out what your home's current value is. In doing so correctly, get the assistance of an appraiser if you want to get the accurate value.

The next step is to find out what you still owe. In computing this, simply add up your down payment and payments that have applied to the principal balance, then subtract the sum from the original amount of the mortgage.

In doing this right, do not add the interest rates. The result would be the amount of money you owe your home The next thing is to deduct the amount that you owe on your home from your current value. The result would be your home equity, which is the combination of your down payment, payments toward the principal and value from property appreciation.

How To Find Out If A Fixed-Rate Is Better Than A Lump-Sum Loan

A Fixed Rate loan is where a bank will loan you an amount that is equal to a certain percentage , and the standard is from 70 to 80%, of your home equity.

The actual percentage depends on various factors including the borrower's credit record, payment history, etc. In some instances, a loan may be made for the whole amount, however such cases are generally rare. In situations where this happens, the borrower usually has a pristine credit record.

How To Get A Home Equity Loan

If you are inclined to get a loan, you will first need to apply for it, get your home appraised then wait for approval. Once you get approved, your money will be released in one, lump sum. This type usually has a fixed or predetermined period. The period may range from a few years to a few decades, with an interest rate also fixed for the whole duration of the loan.

There are also some which have a balloon-payment structure. In this type of loan, the fixed interest rate is generally quite low. However, the period is usually less than 10 years. When the loan period nears conclusion, the borrower will have to make a payment in full.

Positive Aspects Of A Lump-Sum, Fixed-Rate Loan

In this type of option, the fixed rate ensures the security of your loan. As such, you will know exactly what your interest rate is every year for the whole period. You can also make financial projections with a high degree of certainty.

In addition, obtaining your home equity loan in one big sum is great if you have other debts that you wish to pay off. Through this method, you can deal with all of your debts in one swing, and immediately make significant reductions in your overall interest rate payments.

Vanessa A. Doctor from [http://jump2top.com]Jump2Top - SEO Company http://realestatepress.org - Real Estate Press

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Wednesday, December 05, 2007

Tips For Finding a Great Home Equity Loan Interest Rate

By Terry Edwards

If you are a homeowner and have mounting debts, then it may be a good idea to get a home equity loan. But it is very important that you find a good home equity loan interest rate before you agree to sign anything. Read on to discover more tips on finding a good home equity loan.

A home equity loan is a secured loan because you are using your home as collateral. You must take into consideration your ability to make your payments, because failing to make payments on your home equity loan can result in you losing your home.

It is also important that you find a great home equity loan interest rate. Do some shopping around to find a lender that can give you the best interest rate. It is also imperative that you know your credit score before you shop for a loan. The higher your credit score, the better home equity interest loan you are entitled to.

Check with you tax adviser, because home equity loans are usually tax deductible, which could save you a lot of money at tax time. It is also a good idea to make use of a rate calculator or a home equity loan calculator so that you will have an idea of what your payments are going to be before you commit to anything. You can find free home equity loan interest rate calculators online.

If you are going to use your home equity loans to pay off credit card debts, you need to take a long hard look at your spending habits. Examine how you got into debt in the first place and make a plan to change. Get rid of all of your credit cards so that you don't get into debt again. If you cannot be committed to getting rid of your credit cards, then you will probably rack up credit card debt again and be in worse shape than you were to begin with. Taking debt management classes may be a good idea to help you get a handle on your spending habits.

Finding a good home equity loan interest rate is not hard if you shop around. Always know what you are signing before you sign it. Make sure there are no hidden fees or charges in your contract. Educate yourself and you less likely to be taken advantage of and more likely to find a great home equity loan interest rate.

You can learn more about [http://www.HomeEquityLoansA-z.com/Home_Equity_Loan_Interest_Rates.html]Home Equity Loan Interest Rates as well as more information on everything to do with home equity loans and home equity lines of credit by visiting http://www.HomeEquityLoansA-Z.com

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