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It’s not surprising that some homeowners confuse the terms “second mortgage” and “home equity loan.” After all, a second mortgage is a type of home equity loan. But more often than not, home equity loan is used to describe a home equity line of credit, or HELOC. If you want to take advantage of the equity that you have built up in your home, you will need to decide if a HELOC or a true second mortgage is best for you.
Before discussing which might be better for your purposes, let’s look at some of the basics of each.
A second mortgage pays out a fixed sum of money to be repaid on a set schedule, like your initial mortgage. Unlike refinancing, the second mortgage does not supersede the first mortgage. Second mortgages are usually 15 to 30 year loans with a fixed rate of interest. Like the initial loan, the rate of interest and points (if any) will be based on your credit history, the price of the home, and the current interest rate. While the interest rate on a second mortgage may be a little higher, the fees are generally lower.
HELOC, however, is similar to a credit card, and it may even include a credit card to make purchases. Like credit cards, interest is charged, and the amount you can borrow is based on your credit worthiness. To determine the limit of your HELOC, lenders will look at the appraised value of your home, you may have access to up to 80% of the appraised value or purchase price of your home (whichever is lower), less any prior outstanding mortgage charges. As your mortgage balance decreases, your available rate increases.
Your current financial needs will help to determine which type of loan is right for you. If you need money for a one-time expense, such as building a new deck or paying for a wedding, you would probably opt for the fixed-rate second mortgage. But if you forecast a recurring need for extra money, such as tuition payments, you may prefer a HELOC. A line of credit allows you to borrow when you need the money and, if you pay back the amounts quickly, you can save money over a second mortgage. You also need to consider your spending habits. If having another credit card in your wallet would temp you to spend more often, then you are not a good candidate for a HELOC.
Once you make an initial determination about which loan might be right for you, you will need to discuss the details with a professional. We recommend that you speak with an independent mortgage broker with experience in this sector to help you make the most effective decision among the products available.
Why work with an independent broker?
- Because they are not loyal to any one financial institution (i.e. like a bank consultant), the options presented will be greater.
- Independent mortgage brokers scour the market for the best mortgage products – not just those being pushed by a particular company. As the mortgage broker fee is paid by the lending institution, it’s a decision that doesn’t cost you anything.
This article is written by or on behalf of an outsourced columnist and does not necessarily reflect the views of Castanet.
