Basics Of Homeowner Equity Loans

When a borrower uses the equity in their home as collateral it is known as a home equity loan. Home equity loans are generally used to help finance expensive things such as medical bills, major home repairs, and college education. A lien is created through a home equity loan. A lien is a form of security interest over an item of property to secure a payment. The lien in a home equity loan is created against the borrower's house, and reduces home equity.

Home equity loans are mostly second position liens but they can also be first or third position. To get a home equity loan it is normally required that you have good to excellent credit history. You may also need reasonable loan-to-value and combined loan-to-value ratios.

The two forms of home equity loans are closed end and open end. Both of these types of home equity loans are most commonly second mortgages. Like a traditional mortgage, closed end and open end loans are secured against the value of property. In most cases home equity loans will have shorter terms compared to a first mortgage but in some cases they will have a longer term.

Closed End Loan

A closed end home equity loan is when the borrower receives a lump sum at the time of the closing and cannot borrow anymore. The factors that determine the maximum amount of money that can be borrowed include: appraised value of collateral, income, and credit history. It is not unusual that you will be able to borrow up to 100% of the appraised value of the home; in fact there are lenders that will go above 100% through an over-equity loan. Some states may, however, have a limit on the amount you can borrow.

Open End Loan

A borrower chooses when and how often they borrow against the equity in the property through an open end home equity loan. Also the lender sets an initial limit to the credit line bases on factors such as income and credit history. Another name for an open end home equity loan is a home equity line of credit. It is possible that you can borrow up to 100% of the value of the home, much like with a closed end loan. Your monthly payment can be as low as the interest. The interest rate is normally based on a prime rate plus a margin.

There are several fees that can come with a home equity loan. There are appraisal fees, originator fees, title fees, arrangement fees, stamp duties, closing fees, early pay-off, and other costs are often included in loans. There are also surveyor and conveyor or valuation fees, but they may be waived. It is possible to reduce the costs of this fee by finding your own licensed surveyor to inspect the property.

In conclusion a home equity loan can be used for things such as a repair on your house. It is possible to get up to 100% or over of the value of the home. There are closed end and open end home equity loans. Your credit history and your income are major factors in determining how much you can borrow. There are also a number of fees that may be associated with your home equity loan.

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