![]() |
Home Equity Loans - 5 Useful Application TipsObtaining a home equity loan does not have to be a major ordeal. Unlike your first mortgage, you are already in the home, and usually time is not such a major factor. You can close the loan at your own leisure, and take your time researching the different options available to you. Below you will find five tips that will help you make the process as painless as possible. Remember that your best defense is a good offense, so understand the process and everything that is involved. Don't let your lender pressure you into something that you don't understand. 1. Get pre-approved! This is something that I would recommend for a first or second mortgage. The process will vary depending on your lender, but you can choose to get pre-approved or pre-qualified. The pre-qualification process allows both you and the lender to review your current financial situation. The lender will then determine how much you can probably borrow. There is no obligation and you are not locked into anything. Pre-approval goes a step further and is a more formal process. You will actually fill out an application, and a credit check will be run. The lender will then issue you a letter outlining the amount that you can borrow. You can then use this to expedite your loan, once you are ready to close. 2. Get your home appraised. When obtaining a home equity loan, the critical part of the puzzle is how much your home is worth. Don't be fooled into thinking that an appraisal is not necessary. Home values can fluctuate depending on the economy and your own city demographics. Any improvements that you have added to the home since its purchase can also increase this value. So find out at the very beginning how much your home is actually worth. This will help give you a ballpark figure of how much you can actually borrow. 3. Prepare yourself emotionally. A home equity loan seems like a simple way to get needed funds. But, it is important to remember that you have something major on the line with this type of loan. Your home! If you fail to repay your home equity loan, they could take your home. So, it is important that you discuss the process with everyone involved so they understand what this loan entails. Set up a budget for a few months prior to the closing, and set aside the extra monthly payment. You will also want to consider any life-changing events that may happen during the life of your loan. Are you planning on having a child? Changing jobs? Etc. All of these factors can alter your ability to repay your loan. 4. Do your homework. Knowledge is power. Make sure that you have all of the facts when it comes to choosing a lender and a mortgage program. If possible get information from several lenders, so that you can make an educated decision as to which one is the best for your particular situation. 5. Get your break from Uncle Sam! In most cases a home equity loan is tax deductible. So, make sure to keep all paperwork associated with your loan, including closing cost allocations. You may be able to deduct both interest and principal in some cases. Consult with your tax professional to find out how a home equity loan will affect your tax situation. With a little bit of time and effort, you should have no trouble finding the right home equity product for your specific needs. By planning ahead and researching your options, you can rest assured that you made the best possible choice for you and your family. John Ross is a freelance author, providing tips and ideas relating to home equity loans. You can find more of his articles at: home equity loan company, online home equity loans, and fixed rate home equity loan. The Loanchbox is a user friendly website designed to teach the basics behind home equity loans.
Today’s mortgage refinance rates mixed — one key rate drops while another rises | March 2, 2021 Fox Business Can refinancing a mortgage hurt my credit score? Fox Business Today's mortgage refinance rates see little change as market holds steady | February 25, 2021 Fox Business Best cash-out refinance lenders in 2021 Bankrate.com 3 signs you should refinance your mortgage right now Fox Business Mortgage Recast: How to Reamortize and Save Money Credible News Today's mortgage and refinance rates: February 14, 2021 | Rates down Business Insider What Is a Mortgage and How Does It Work? | Mortgage 101 The Mortgage Reports What Are The Benefits Of Cash-Out Refinancing? Is It Worth It? The Mortgage Reports Can Closing Costs Change On The Closing Disclosure? The Mortgage Reports How Long Does Underwriting Take? Is 'No News Good News'? The Mortgage Reports Can You Use A 203K Rehab Loan For An Investment Property? The Mortgage Reports Top 5 mortgage refinance questions answered Fox Business How to decide if you should refinance your mortgage Fox Business Pros and cons of a cash-out mortgage refinance Fox Business How to refinance your mortgage Fox Business Mortgage refinance: Everything you need to know Fox Business How do I get the most out of my mortgage refinance? Fox Business Mortgage refinance rates continue hitting record lows – here’s how to get the best deal now Fox Business Who's exempt from the new mortgage refinance fee? Fox Business Everything You Should Know About The New Mortgage Refinancing Fee That Goes Into Effect Dec. 1 Forbes Mortgage refinance applications soar despite a new fee that increases the cost Pittsburgh Post-Gazette What are the hidden costs of refinancing a mortgage? Fox Business USDA Construction Loans | Buy Land & Build A Home With USDA The Mortgage Reports 4 ways to get lower mortgage refinance rates Fox Business The best mortgage refinance lenders of March 2021 Business Insider Refinancing your mortgage? Don’t make this mistake Fox Business Despite low mortgage interest rates, homeowners should research the caveats before refinancing Seattle Times How a mortgage refinance affects your net worth Fox Business 5 reasons to refinance your mortgage right now HousingWire Complete Checklist of Mortgage Refinancing Requirements Credible News 10 things to know before refinancing your mortgage Fox Business 3 Mortgage Refinance Strategies to Consider in 2021 The Motley Fool Jumbo Mortgage Refinance Rates for March 2021 NextAdvisor 10 tips for getting the best mortgage refinance rate, from checking your credit report to choosing the right lender Business Insider
|