Decision Time: Home Equity Loan or Home Equity Line of Credit?
Home equity loans and home equity lines of credit continue to grow in popularity. According to the Consumer Bankers Association, during 2003 combined home equity line and loan portfolios grew 29%, following a torrid 31% growth rate in 2002. With so many people deciding to cash in on their home's equity value, it seems sensible to review the factors that should be weighed in choosing between out a home equity loan (HEL) or a home equity line of credit (HELOC). In this article we outline three principal factors to weigh to make the decision as objective and rational as possible. But first, definitions:A home equity loan (HEL) is very similar to a regular residential mortgage except that it typically has a shorter term and is in a second (or junior) position behind the first mortgage on the property - if there is a first mortgage.
With a HEL, you receive a lump sum of money at closing and agree to repay it according to a fixed amortization schedule (usually 5, 10 or 15 years). Much like a regular mortgage, the typical HEL has a fixed interest rate that is set at closing for the life of the loan.In contrast, a home equity line of credit (HELOC) in many ways is similar to a credit card. At closing you are assigned a specified credit limit that you can borrow up to - not a check. HELOC funds are borrowed "on demand" and you pay back only what you use plus interest. Depending on how much you use the HELOC, you will have a minimum monthly payment requirement (often "interest only"); beyond the minimum, it is up to you how much to pay and when to pay.
One more important difference: the interest rate on a HELOC is adjustable meaning that it can - and almost certainly will - change over time.So, once you've decided that tapping your home's equity is a smart move, how do you decide which route to go? If you take time to honestly assess your situation using the following three criteria, you will be able to make a sound and reasoned decision.1. Certainty or Flexibility: Which do you value the most?! For many borrowers, this is the most important factor to consider. Your home is collateral for either type of home equity borrowing and, in a worst case scenario, it could be seized and sold to satisfy an outstanding unpaid loan balance. People do remember the double-digit interest rates of the early 1980's and, for many, the mere prospect of interest costs on a variable-rate home equity line of credit rising rapidly beyond their means is reason enough for them to opt for the certainty of a fixed rate HEL.From the borrower's perspective, "certainty" is the main virtue of a fixed-rate home equity loan. You borrow a specific amount of money for a specific period of time at a specific rate of interest.
You repay the loan in precise monthly installments for a precise number of months. For many, knowing exactly what their future obligations will be is the only way they can borrow against the equity in their home and still sleep at night.A home equity line of credit, in contrast, is short on certainty but long on the virtue of flexibility. With a HELOC you borrow funds on an irregular schedule that meets your needs at adjustable interest rates that can change quickly. Loan repayment is also flexible: you typically are required to make only relatively small "interest-only" monthly payments on a HELOC. However, you have flexibility to make any size payment above the interest-only minimum or payoff the loan at your will.2.
Do you need money for a one-time, lump-sum payment or will your cash needs be intermittent over several months or years? Home equity loans are best suited for one-time payment needs (a good example is consolidating debt by paying off several high-rate credit cards at one time). This is because at the time you close on a HEL, you will be provided with a lump-sum check in the amount you've borrowed (less closing costs). While it may be empowering to have that much money handed over to you, be humbled by the fact that you will immediately begin incurring interest costs on the entire balance.When you close on a HELOC, on the other hand, you will be given a checkbook (or debit card) that you use only as needed. So, for instance, if you're embarking on a multiyear home improvement project for which you'll be writing checks at varying times, a HELOC might be best. Similarly, a credit line is probably best for paying sporadic college expenses.
Interest on a HELOC is only charged from the time that your HELOC checks clear the bank and only on amounts actually disbursed?not the value of the entire credit line.3. Do you possess sufficient financial self-discipline for a HELOC? Financially-disciplined borrowers can have the best of both worlds?almost. By taking out a HELOC but paying it back according to a self-imposed fixed amortization schedule they can enjoy both the flexibility of borrowing cash only as needed and the certainty of a fixed repayment schedule. HELOCs are typically more efficient in terms of lower closing costs and a lower initial interest rate. Also, a HELOC may be somewhat easier for borrowers to qualify for since the low, flexible monthly payments mean debt to income ratios that loan officers look at are more favorable for the borrower.The one big factor not within the HELOC borrower's control is the interest rate (see #1 above).
Interest rates will almost certainly change over the life of a HELOC. This means that a self-imposed "fixed" amortization schedule may need to be periodically refigured. Numerous internet sites provide free, powerful mortgage calculators that can assist you in preparing updated amortization schedules whenever needed. Some lenders are also meeting borrowers' demand for greater certainty by providing HELOC products that can be converted (for a fee) into a fixed rate loan when the borrower elects.As mentioned earlier, HELOCs are much like credit cards and the similarity extends to spending temptation. If you are a person who has trouble keeping credit card debt under control and you haven't taken steps to change habits, then a HELOC probably isn't a smart choice.You might be wondering which home equity product most people actually choose.
According to the Consumer Bankers Association 2002 Home Equity Study, home equity lines of credit account for 28% of consumer credit accounts followed by personal loans (23%) and regular home equity loans (16%). In terms of dollar value, home equity credit accounts (HELs and HELOCs together) represent a full 75% of consumer credit portfolios with HELOCs having a 45% share of the market and HELs a 30% share. Of course, the popularity of HELOCs may subside if interest rates continue to rise.Whichever home equity product you decide on be certain to shop for the best deal possible. The market is extremely competitive and there are many non-traditional options, including on-line lenders and credit unions, which should be considered in addition to your local bank..
Construction Loan for $18,000,000 Secured by Commercial Real Estate Lender, Pacific Security Capital
http://www.pacificsecuritycapital.com - Pacific Security Capital ("PSC"), a leading commercial real estate lender headquartered in Portland, Oregon announced today that it secured a $18,000,000.00 construction loan for a high-end resort property. Pacific Security Capital provided a 75% LTV construction loan floating at .75% over Prime Rate. The newly obtained loan allowed Pacific Security Capital's client to recapitalize the project by taking out another lender and increasing the amount of leverage on the project.
According to Mike Wezlick, Senior Managing Director for Pacific Security Capital, "This construction financing project had a variety of issues that come with recapitalizing a project already under construction."
"It was understanding the market and having experience within a more challenging asset class that allowed efficient execution on this transaction, said Wenzlick."
"The...
Loans > Construction Loan for $18,000,000 Secured by Commercial Real Estate Lender, Pacific Security Capital
Christmas Loans for a luxurious Christmas
Christmas marks the beginning of everything good, filled with happiness and celebrations. Your children may want to buy new toys on christmas while your wife may have plans to through a big party on the christmas's eve. Are you prepared for all these expenses? If not, then Christmas loans can help you with the funds you need to finance your family's desires.
Christmas loans are designed specifically for UK residents, to meet the expenses that will be incurred on the forthcoming christmas's eve. Christmas loan is a type of personal loans that aims to meet the personal needs of people. A borrower can opt to borrow either a secured or an unsecured loan.
Tenants can enjoy the benefits of unsecured loans. While homeowners can enjoy the advantage of both secured and unsecured christmas loans.
A lot of people cover up the festive costs by using the credit card or overdraft facility available. But they don't know that it bears high interest...
Loans > Christmas Loans for a luxurious Christmas
Homeowner Loans : A 3D View of Ownership!
Did you ever imagine that your home can prove to be much more than a mere shelter? Something more than just a roof over your head? Well, once you enter the loan world, you sure cannot overlook the value of the asset you own. If you are a homeowner, you have a horizon of opportunities where taking a homeowner loan is considered. A homeowner loan is backed by your home, i.e. it is a secured loan and is so called because you put up your home as collateral or security for the lender, against the amount borrowed. Homeowner loans are straightforward and are available to every homeowner irrespective of your credit history.
The money availed through homeowner loans can fund innumerable financial needs and can provide opportunities galore if used well.
Homeowner loans can be modified as per your financial standing. The main attraction of these loans is the low interest rate offered on it. Since your home is a security for the lender, you, as the borrower benefit too by...
Loans > Homeowner Loans : A 3D View of Ownership!
Transform your dreams into reality with personal loans UK
Today with a rise in the living standard of people, inadequacy of funds has created a problem. Just because you are short of money does not mean that you should be deprived of the basic necessities of life. Living a comfortable life has become the prime necessity for the UK residents nowadays. Opting for personal loans UK would be a wise decision if you are working day and night to fulfill your wishes.
Personal loans UK have been specially designed for the UK residents to enable them convert their dream into a reality. Personal loans UK come in two forms-secured and unsecured.
Secured loans can be availed if the borrower agrees to place a collateral. A fixed asset like an automobile, home or any other property can serve as collateral. Second option available is unsecured personal loans where the borrower is not under any obligation to place a security.
Secured personal loans UK ranges from ?5000-?75,000 whereas unsecured allows the borrower to draw...
Loans > Transform your dreams into reality with personal loans UK