Obtaining a home equity loan makes it possible to payoff credit cards, finance a home improvement project, etc. In fact, one of the benefits of homeownership is being able to tap into your home’s equity for large expenses. Many lenders offer great rates on home equity loans and lines of credit. Yet, homeowners should beware home equity loan scams that place them at risk of losing their home.
Understanding Home Equity Basics
A home equity loan is essentially a personal loan that is secured by your home’s equity. The amount you are able to acquire will vary. For the most part, you are able to obtain a loan up to the amount of your home’s equity. However, lenders will usually review your credit and income to ensure that you qualify for the requested amount.
Home equity loans are beneficial because the funds may be used for a multitude of purposes. If you are looking to payoff credit card balances, a home equity loan will help you achieve this goal. Nonetheless, exercise care when applying for such a loan. Because your home serves as the collateral, failure to maintain regular payments will result in foreclosure. Sadly, some lenders are betting on your inability to repay a home equity loan.
Common Home Equity Loan Scams
Lenders use an array of fraudulent schemes to steal your equity. For starters, there are lenders who cleverly convince homeowners to borrow more than they can afford to pay.
Moreover, a lender may encourage homeowners to exaggerate their income in order to qualify for a larger amount. Instead of having your best interest in mind, these lenders knowingly position their clients for defeat. Hence, when you can no longer afford the payments, the lender forecloses.
If applying for a home equity loan, it is important to read the loan agreement carefully. If possible, have the contract reviewed by an attorney. Some home equity loans involve a large balloon payment at the end of the loan term. The typical homeowner cannot afford to pay this amount. Regardless of whether you maintain timely payments, the home equity lender may claim your home if you are unable to make the final payment.
By: Carrie Reeder
Posts Tagged ‘Best Interest’
Poor Credit Home Equity Loans – Avoiding Home Equity Loan Scams
October 14th, 2009What You Need To Know About Home Equity Loans
September 14th, 2009A home equity loan is a popular and attractive source of borrowing for thousands of people. Part of the reason people think first of a home equity loan when they need a substantial sum of money is that home equity loans are marketed extensively, with advertisement in every medium.
Lenders love home loans because they are highly risk free. Therefore, a home equity loan is easy to get and offers one of the best interest rate of any type of high end loan.
A equity loan is attractive for consumers, not only because of the low interest rate but because that interest can be deducted from income taxes. The outlook isnt completely rosy for consumers who are considering a home equity loan, however.
With any home equity loan you can borrow only up to 80 percent of the equity youve accrued in your home at the time of your loan application. If, for example, your homes current market value were 150,000 and the balance on your mortgage was 70,000 you could borrow 80 percent of the 80,000 equity, or 64,000.
Consumers should not make the decision to take out a home equity loan lightly. Nor should they borrow to the maximum 80 percent just because they can. Borrow only what you have to have.
Not only will this save you money in the long run but a loan officer who sees you being foolish about your willingness to put yourself in debt and your home at risk may think twice about your having the responsibility to pay back your mortgage – and on time.
Sometimes a home equity loan is used foolishly for a vacation or toys such as boats and other things that the consumer could really do without. The borrower assumes that their home will appreciate in value over the term of the loan so it really isnt like borrowing or paying interest, is it?
What if the home doesnt appreciate? What if the local mill or factory or other major employer closes down and the town loses a big chunk of property taxes and people move it and then the retail shops lose money and so forth and so forth. If you dont live in the Mid-Atlantic States or the rust belt talk to people who did or do. Hear what they have to say about the likelihood of this occurring.
No matter where you live downsizings, mergers, company closures, layoffs and buyouts are commonplace. There is just no way to predict that your home will appreciate, your job will be secure and youll be financially better off at the end of the loan and throughout the life of the loan.
A home equity loan, while often a wise thing, and a necessary action, shouldnt be taken on for frivolous desires.
There are occasions, such as lowered home mortgage interest rates and to get out from under high interest unsecured loans such as credit card debt when a home equity loan can save you money and improve your credit standing. When this opportunity arises, assuming you have the equity and can afford the payments, a home equity loan can be a very wise decision.
By: James Copper
