Owning a home is one of the most fundamentally important purchases a person can make. On one level, you’ll have a roof over your head for you and your family, a place to live in, and make years of memories.
Property is usually the largest purchase you’ll ever make. While people tend to think about the expense as a burden to repay, the fact is that you can tap into your existing equity to get the financial assistance that can make a crucial difference when you really need it.
Let’s examine some of the different ways homeowners draw on their property’s value before they sell their homes.
Home Equity Loan
A home equity loan allows homeowners to utilize the equity they’ve built up from previous mortgage payments. After each payment, they own a greater share of their home. Why should this equity go to waste, sitting there doing nothing to help homeowners?
If you need a considerable amount of money to make a major purchase quickly, a home equity loan could be the right solution. Using your home as collateral gets the borrower better terms than they’d get otherwise and usually gets processed quicker, too. Here’s how it works.
First, an independent assessor determines your home’s current market value. Then, you can borrow against the difference between what you’ve paid and what it’s worth, meaning the longer you’ve owned your home, the more equity you’ve built up and can use towards your financial goals.
There is one risk, however. Failure to repay the loan could result in the loss of your home since that’s what you’re using as collateral. That’s why professional mortgage brokers tend to advise against using this money frivolously, even if they emphasize that you’re free to spend the money how you want.
Some people need large sums of money to pay for a car or transportation-related costs. Others use it to pay for a trip, post-secondary education, or, often, a home renovation. The latter is an excellent move because the borrowed money is invested back into the home, raising its value down the road.
Home renovations can help you get more pleasure out of where you live, or more functionality. Do you need office space or room for kids to play? Or are you simply looking to make improvements that buyers will covet whenever you decide to sell?
Whatever your needs, speak to a professional mortgage broker today to learn more about your best options.
Home Equity Line of Credit
A Home Equity Line of Credit, more commonly known as a HELOC, lets borrowers use their homes as collateral, as in a Home Equity Line of Credit. Except that instead of one lump sum, borrowers can access an ongoing line of credit.
A home equity loan gives you more flexibility and control. If you’re doing a home renovation, the build may take a while to complete, and jobs that get extended tend to get more expensive. A HELOC lets you make the payments, as you can re-borrow as needed.
Repayment is also open at any time, so you can contribute the minimum monthly payment or pay off the balance entirely. Whatever you prefer.
Some people tap into their home’s equity to free up capital they can invest in if a financial opportunity comes their way. Whether it’s a business move or you’re investing money into stocks, bonds, or mutual funds, you’re free to use the money how you’d like.
However, you have to be careful: failure to make repayments can result in losing your home since that’s what you’re using as collateral. For this reason, mortgage brokers will probably recommend using the money for major life purchases, rather than on personal indulgences. So long as you’re mindful and aware of the potential risks, you can do as you please.
Second Mortgages
Second mortgages have a misguided reputation among some people as a last resort financially, a way to stave off disaster. Second mortgages are actually a more common vehicle for financial assistance than you might think.
People tend to use them to free up cash for some of the same reasons described above, and also to patch up their credit score or consolidate higher interest payments. A leading mortgage broker can help you not only streamline your monthly payments but reduce the amount owed considerably!
Drawing on your equity can help you pay for emergencies, shore up your expenses, or get you back on the road to financial health. Look for a professional mortgage broker with wide and deep relationships with a variety of lenders, so you get the lowest interest rate possible.
They’ll advocate for your interests and share their wisdom and experience, so you get real support and guidance that genuinely cares for you. Licensed financial professionals can save you time and money, even if you have been denied a loan by the bank.
In fact, homeowners of all credit, debt, and income levels should always feel like there’s a path for them to get the financial assistance they may need. Speak to a mortgage broker near you about whether a second mortgage is a right solution.
Caution
Your professional mortgage broker will probably insist on caution when it comes to borrowing for a few reasons. As interest rates rise, your mortgage payments will rise too. You need to make sure you won’t be spread too thin.
Borrowing money against your home can be an excellent solution to various problems. Just don’t get carried away once it’s approved and you get access to a considerable sum of money.
Owning a home at a time when supply is low, and people struggle to pay ever-rising rents means you’re in a great position. Still, homeowners have to contend with money getting more expensive to borrow and the same rising grocery costs as everybody else. The good news is that you have a major asset to rely on when times get tough, or you need a quick injection of cash.
