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.

Top 10 Things to Consider on Home Loans

Here are our Top 10 most important things to consider when shopping for a Home Loan, Equity Line of Credit, or Refinance, courtesy of Loans-Directory.Org:

1. Down-Payment
2. Fixed Versus Adjustable Rate
3. APR
4. Loan Types
5. Loan Amount Qualification, Income
6. Loan Amount Qualification, Expenses
7. Employment and Credit History
8. Points
9. Sub-Prime Loans
10. Short-Forms

1. Down-Payment - As a general rule of thumb, lenders will be seeking contribution from you of around 3% to 6% of the total loan value. This can be negotiable, and there are many loan packages available.

2. Fixed versus Adjustable – The two most common loan products available for home mortgages are fixed rate versus adjustable rate.

Fixed rate means that you agree on an APR (annual percentage rate) that does not change through the life of the loan, whereas, an Adjustable Rate Mortgage, better known as an ARM, means that rates and monthly payments can change, often tied to the U.S. Government Treasury Bills or some other form of “index”, with the frequency of change dependent upon the terms of the loan.

Deciding on which way to go involves many variables. We suggest that you start by examining the fixed rate products available on the market. They are by far the most popular, and arguably with the least amount of risk. After evaluating several preliminary loan offers (quotes) for fixed rate mortgages, you can then venture into the world of ARM’s to see if one of these products may be right for you. But, proceed with caution, and understand all the risks, alongside any potential benefits.

3. APR – APR, better known as the annual percentage rate, aka: “rate”, is arguably the most important consideration you must examine when looking for a loan. The APR includes principle, interest, “points”, fees, PMI (Mortgage insurance), and other costs associated with the loan. While all costs and terms are significant and affect the bottom line, we suggest that shopping rate is a very good starting point.

4. Loan Types: There are several standard loan products to look for, including 30 year fixed, 15 year fixed, bi-weekly mortgages, 1 month ARM’s, 5 year fixed ARM’s, 2nd Fixed, ARM’s with a provision to convert after 5 years, lender buydowns, and discounted mortgages.

We think the best place to start, is to obtain quotes for a 30 year fixed rate loan, and then go from there. 30 year fixed rate loans generally produce the lowest monthly payments for fixed rate products, and they are relatively safe. Once you know where you stand with a 30 year fixed, after obtaining quotes from several lending institutions, then you can consider the possibility of exploring more exotic loan products. At this juncture, you will want to consult with those you trust, for good, solid advice and feedback on risk versus reward.

5. Loan Amount Qualification, Income: This can vary widely depending on you, your lender, and many other variables. However, as a rule of thumb, look at 2 to 2 ½ times your current household income, as a baseline to determine how much you can afford to borrow.

6. Loan Amount Qualification, Expenses: This is another broad category that varies from one lending institution to the next. However, there are two general factors to look at, and they are Housing Expenses (such as mortgage, property taxes, and insurance), and long-term debt (which can include credit cards, auto loans, etc.).

First, add all your expenses together. As a rule of thumb, you will want your expenses to not exceed 33% to 36% of your gross household income.

Second, examine your housing expenses only. As a rule of thumb, you’ll want these expenses to not exceed 25% to 28% of your gross household income.

7. Employment and Credit History: Lenders generally want to take a look at your employment history so that they can see a pattern of stability and income. Lenders generally also want to take a look at your credit history, so that they can see a pattern of borrowing and repayment in your past. Lenders cannot discriminate and must use this information solely for the purpose of considering your ability to repay a loan. Also, many loan products are available for all kinds of customers, with varied financial backgrounds and histories.

8. Points: Points are one of the primary fees charged on the loan, and they represent the profit earned by the lending institution. One point represents one percent of the total loan amount, and points are usually tax-deductible (along with the interest paid on the loan). They are broken down into two basic types:

Origination Points – Origination Points are the fees charged by the lender, and represents their gross profit.

Discount Points – Discount Points are most often charged in association with a lowered interest rate. In other words, the Discount Points represents a dollar amount, as a fee for giving the borrower a lowered APR (lower than what the lender might otherwise charge).

9. Sub-Prime Loans: Sub-Prime Loans consist of loan products designed for customers with challenging credit and financial backgrounds, or, customers that are looking to re-establish credit. They can be significantly higher then the prime lending rate, with less favorable terms (Often times, the loans are for the short-term, such as 2 to 3 years). However, they do offer a venue for certain individuals, and they can allow customers to re-establish credit, or buy new homes prior to cleaning up a credit history, etc.

For some of you, this avenue may offer exactly what you’re looking for. It’s important to know that lenders who specialize in sub-prime loans are out there and want to earn your business. However, we advise that you proceed with caution. Be sure to gather sound advice from trusted friends and professionals, and understand all the risks versus rewards, prior to signing on the dotted line.

10. Short-Forms: The most important thing you can do as a consumer of loan products is to shop around and get several preliminary loan quotes for your consideration.

These are no risk, no obligation, preliminary loan offers. They take 30 seconds to 2 minutes to complete, they require no personal or confidential disclosure on your part, and they require no commitment from you.

We suggest that you obtain 3 or 4 offers. You can then examine and compare the terms, rate, fees, and all other pertinent information about the loan product, and the lender, at your leisure and in the comfort of your own home.

Fixed Rates or adjustable?

Fixed rate or adjustable rate mortgages are two choices of mortgage loans that most lenders will offer you. Your financial situation, how long you plan to live in the home, the current interest rates, and what risks you are willing to take is the best way to decide which loan makes the most sense for you.

Understanding the benefits as well as the risks of each loan will help when deciding if a fixed rate or adjustable rate loan works best for you.

Fixed Rate Home Loan

A fixed rate home loan offers you monthly principal and interest mortgage payments that never change for the life of your loan. A Fixed rate home loan is the most stable option with very little risk. That is why it is the most popular way to finance a home today.

Fixed rate home loans are available as 30, 20, 15 and 10 year loans and they make sense if you answer yes to the following:

Plan to live in your home more than 5 years

Want the stability of a fixed monthly mortgage payment

Don't want to risk future monthly mortgage payment increases

Some fixed rate home loans can be converted into biweekly mortgages which shorten the life of your loan. By paying your monthly mortgage payment every two weeks, you make one extra payment a year for a total of 26 payments. You pay less interest on your loan and build equity faster.

It makes sense to finance a home with a fixed rate home loan only if you plan to live in your home for 5 years or longer. That is because in the early amortization period of a fixed rate home loan, the biggest percentage of your monthly mortgage payment is applied toward interest. Only a small amount is applied toward the principal but that will gradually reverse itself as the loan ages.

Adjustable Rate Loans

Adjustable rate loans make sense if you plan to live in your home less than five years. Adjustable rate loans can also be easier to qualify for and that may make it easier for you to initially get into a home. You can always refinance to a fixed rate home loan later if your future income is going to increase.

Adjustable rate loans start at a low introductory interest rate which is a lower than a fixed rate home loan. The low introductory rate makes your monthly mortgage payment lower than a fixed rate home loan.

But the trade-off for lower payments of an adjustable rate loan is the uncertainty of the amount of your monthly mortgage payment. However, most adjustable rate loans have cap protections so your monthly mortgage payment doesn't go up too quickly.

Adjustable rate loans make sense if you answer yes to the following:

Plan to move before 5 years

Can afford a higher monthly mortgage payment if interest rates go up

You believe that mortgage interest rates will remain the same or decline in the future

Everyone has different circumstances and only you can decide if the risks or advantages are right for you. These tips should help with your decision if a fixed rate home loan or adjustable rate loan works best for you.

Why Choose a Home Equity Loan?

There are many reasons for choosing a home equity loan. A home equity loan allows homeowners to obtain a loan in addition to their original loan using the equity in their home. Home equity loans are generally a second mortgage, and are used for personal use.

Home equity loans are also known as equity release schemes. Home equity loans are aimed mainly at those homeowners that have paid their mortgages off. They can receive a cash lump sum or some income by unlocking that capital.

People take out a home equity loan for a variety of reasons. Some people do it in order to finance home improvements, buy a new car, consolidate their debts or go on holiday. Others may want to receive a regular income source so that they can pay for residential care, or just the cost of care.

Home equity loans have fixed rates with longer terms, over a fixed period of time. Home equity loans can be ideal for longer-term financial goals because you receive the amount of money you borrow in one lump sum. A home equity line of credit is similar to a credit card, where you may regularly use it up to your credit limit.

One of the premium features of a home equity line of credit is that the interest rate is typically lower than that of a credit card.

A Home Equity Loan will usually mean that you get better interest rates, but you should always remember that your house is at risk if you fail to repay the Home Equity Loan.

The amount you can borrow with a Home Equity Loan depends on the amount of equity in your property. Equity is the market value of your property minus any outstanding mortgage or loans you have on it.

People with poor credit ratings will find a Home Equity Loan more easily accessible to them because the lender is taking a lot less risk themselves. Home equity loans are also beneficial for people with a poor credit rating. A lot of traditional lenders categorise such people as "high-risk". Home equity loans for such borrowers don't pose any risk as in case the borrower defaults on the repayments, the lender can sell the house to reclaim the money from the available equity.

Here are some of the benefits of a home equity loan:

A Home Equity Loan is an easy and manageable route to generating extra cash.

Using Home Equity Loan for debt consolidation means that with one single payment each month, you have more control over your monthly budget.

With a remortgage you have the same expenses you do when taking on a mortgage: surveys, valuation, mortgage indemnity and solicitors fees to pay. With Home Equity Loan you have none of this, making it easier to arrange. Repayment period on Home Equity Loan can be anything from 5 - 25 years.

You can use Home Equity Loan for any purpose - for example, debt consolidation, home improvements, buying a car or going on holiday.

Protected payment plans for Home Equity Loan can provide extra peace of mind.

Always consider your options carefully, as your home is at risk if you do not keep up repayments on a mortgage or other loans secured on it.

Refinance Home Loan and Refinance Home Loans

Refinance home loan lenders are eager to lend money to any individual regardless of credit as long as the homeowner has a fair amount of equity in the home and the home itself is in a condition that can be resold. Refinance home loans are different than a second mortgage or line of credit in that the proceeds from the loan disbursement first pay off the original mortgage loan. The remainder of the refinance home loan proceeds leaves the homeowner to spend the money as they wish. Typically, refinance home loans carry lower interest rates than purchase mortgages.

For a homeowner to obtain a refinance home loan, it is in their best interest to get a loan with an interest rate lower than the loan they already posses. Some borrowers prefer to re-extend their payment length back to 30 years, others prefer to use refinance home loans for the existing time left on their original loan. In order to determine the best deal throughout the life of both loans, in depth calculations will have to be done. Many Internet websites have interest calculators to make it easier for homeowners to determine how much interest is going to the lender before deciding if a refinance home loan is the most beneficial option.

Once a decision has been made to apply for a refinance home loan, the borrower must provide the lender with their social security number for a credit check. A credit report score directly determines the interest rate. It is recommended that before applying for various refinance home loans, the borrower receives a copy of his/her credit report from each of the three credit reporting agencies. If the credit score is low, then expect the interest rate on the refinance home loan to be high. If the credit score is high, then expect the interest rate on the refinance home loan to be low. Sometimes, easy measures can be taken to lift the credit scores. A credit report can look drastically different in only 30 days.

Refinance home loans gain extreme popularity when the interest rates drop nationally. It is an opportunity for a homeowner to save thousands of dollars in interest over the life of the loan, and to save hundreds of dollars in interest every month. Some homeowners use the refinance home loan to pay off their existing loan, and pocket the money for college, home improvement, or that vacation they have always wanted to take. The option to refinance a home loan is a great idea if a homeowner can lower an interest rate on such a large loan that extends for such a long period of time. It is no wonder there are many lenders out there that are advertising for individuals to consider getting a refinance home loan.

Home Equity Line of Credit - 5 ways to use it

Your home is a source of pride and accomplishment. Did you know that your home can also be an affordable source of income? As your home appreciates and you make your monthly mortgage payments you build what’s called equity. You can access this equity at attractive interest rates using a home equity line of credit (HELOC).

There are a number of advantages to securing a home equity line of credit if you need access to cash for a project or another goal. First, a home equity line of credit may be tax-deductible. Also, HELOC’s are very flexible, you access only the money that you need with checks or cards offered by your credit union. That flexibility extends to use. Following are some of the most popular uses for your HELOC.

• Education – College tuition can be very expensive and, unfortunately there are not enough scholarships available to fund the educational expenses of every school-bound student. Most parents do not have pockets deep enough to foot the bill and many loans can be expensive or carry unattractive features. A home equity line of credit offers an attractive option for funding your child’s education. Access the money as you need it a pay tuition bills without stress or worry.

• Renovation or remodeling projects – Your home is probably your greatest investment. Add personal or more comfortable touches with remodeling or renovation projects. Many projects such as bathroom and kitchen remodeling jobs can add value to your home’s price tag. Maximize your investment and take a tax break to boot.

• Travel – Traveling on a shoestring budget can be fun, but there are times when you want to go first class. The trip of a lifetime awaits with a home equity line of credit. Join your family for a reunion in Ireland or celebrate your fifth or fiftieth wedding anniversary with an African safari.

• Purchase a car – Buy the car of your dreams – finally, with a home equity line of credit. No need to worry about haggling with the dealer, or forgoing discounts or rebates, you have the cash in hand, and a great interest rate.

• Consolidate bills – The average American carries around $7,000.00 in credit card debt. At typical interest rates and with minimum payments it could take more than twenty years to bring the balance to zero. Your high interest credit card bills are a thing of the past when you pay them off with a home equity line of credit. Again, the interest may be tax-deductible. Before you consider this option, make sure that you are ready to change your spending habits otherwise you’ll be worse of than when you started; and this time you won’t have you home equity as a safety net.

Home equity lines of credit help you do more of those things that matter to you. They can be a wise financial move as they typically offer lower interest rates than other types of loans. It is important to proceed with caution if you decide on a home equity line of credit as the loan is secured by your home. If you are unable to pay, the lender is entitled to seize your property to cure the default. Some states allow foreclosure without a judge’s permission. You could lose your home in as little as 37 days. Learn about the laws in your state and before you sign on the dotted line, make sure that you understand your responsibilities and obligations as a borrower, as well as the lender’s recourse in the event of default.

Illinois Home Equity Loan

To paraphrase an old familiar quote that goes “there’s gold in them there hills, you could say, there’s gold in that house. As Martha Stewart would say, “it’s a good thing”.

An Illinois home equity loan can be a very good thing if you formulate a plan and stick to it. Illinois Home equity loans are becoming much more common and most banking companies have specific re-financing plans available for today’s consumer.

Read on and you will see that a home equity loan used for the proper purpose and managed correctly can indeed be a “good thing”.

A Home Equity Loan - Just what is it?Types Of Home Equity Loans HEL or HELOC?

There are two types of home equity loans. A regular home equity loan and the home equity line of credit or HELOC. A regular home equity loan is a fixed sum borrowed at a fixed rate over a period of time. A HELOC allows the client to borrow various sums up to a fixed amount over a period of time. A line of credit works in a similar way as a credit card; you use it when you need it. Different States set their own laws on limits you can borrow against your house.

The Financial Plan - Making your home equity work for you

For a home equity loan to work best for you, it’s a good idea to have a budget and a financial plan. Having a budget will help you decide how big a loan you need and a financial plan will be the map to accomplish your goals within that budget. Here are a few suggestions on ways to use a home equity loan.

1. Home Improvements
You may want to build up the equity in your house by making home improvements. The first and best place to visit is a home improvement warehouse store. These stores, especially the large ones have whole rooms set up and priced. Use caution however, husbands and wives have been known to have gone into these rooms for days and when they came out they were muttering “but I liked the blue room best.”

2. Debt Consolidation
Pay off all the nagging little balances that seem to have accumulated on various store and gas cards in your wallet.

3. A holiday in the sun or snow!
It’s a matter of interest, if you shop around; you may find a couple of percentage points on a home equity loan that can make a world of difference. Consider a holiday South of the border or North to Canada.

Mexican or Caribbean destinations are very attractive during the winter months but if skiing and winter activities is more to your liking then consider Vancouver, Canada. Whistler, British Columbia is one of the locations that will host the 2010 Winter Olympics. Shop around for the best rates and dream on.

4. A retirement Savings plan
It’s not an easy fact to accept but one day we will all need to retire. Planning for retirement requires good financial decision making. Many banking and financial companies offer free retirement planning advice. Some home equity loans are designed to be used for investment purposes. Talk to a trusted Financial Planner before signing the dotted line on this idea.

Loan Terms – Points To Ponder

Now you have a plan and are ready to talk with a lending company. You may want to do this on the Internet to save time and maybe a few dollars. If that is the case then it is a must to know these terms. Before you proceed to do some serious web surfing here are a few you will want to become familiar with before you consider a home equity loan. These points to ponder are:

Equity
Equity is the appraised value or Fair Market Value of your home less the outstanding mortgage balance.

Mortgage Broker
A mortgage broker is the “go between” whom you pay to negotiate the best deal. This person has access to current financial information and can be very important if financial savvy is not your strong suit.

HELOC
A HELOC is a Home Equity Line Of Credit. This term is discussed under types of home equity loans.

Debt Consolidation Loan
Over the years as you have paid off your home, you may have also acquired a few credit cards along the line. These credit cards include gas cards, store credit cards, and some bank credit cards. The interest rates on these cards vary and you may find that you are paying through the nose for the convenience of a store credit card. That is where a home equity loan can be very handy. You can borrow the amount you need to pay off each card and make one payment each month. With current financing plans, one payment at the end of the month is less than the minimum payment that was required on each card. Once you have done this, get out your scissors and cut up all of the cards except one bank credit card for emergencies. Remember the plan!

Balloon Loan
This type of loan can be difficult. The first few payments are low with low interest rates. The last payment however is exactly as the name describes; a balloon. It is a very large payment at the end of the repayment period. It is essential to stick to your financial plan because in this case you may need another loan to pay off the balloon amount.

Interest Rate
The periodic fee charged for a loan. This is expressed as a percentage point and some financial institutions are offering approximately 5.6% on a thirty year fixed $150,000.00 home equity loan. The lower the interest rate the better the deal, just make sure you aren’t negotiating a balloon loan though.

Transaction Fee
Unfortunately no matter how good the deal on the loan you get, there is no free ride. In the business of credit management someone has to make money in order for home equity loans to exist. There will be some type of transaction fee built into the loan application. Lenders have costs and these costs are passed along to the consumer as a transaction fee. Depending on the loan company you decide to use, a transaction fee can be lower or higher, so make sure you shop around.

FICO Score
A sliding scale based on a point score created by the Fair Isaac Corporation. This score is used to determine a borrower’s behavior and potential risk factor.

Credit Rating
Using the point system based on the FICO score, a credit rating can be anywhere from poor to excellent. With a good to excellent FICO score, a person’s credit rating can determine how much money can be borrowed and what interest rate will be charged.

Re-Financing - Finding A Gold Mine In Your Home

Many people consider their home to be their castle but few consider that they could be living on a potential gold mine. If you have lived in your house for 10 years and have been making payments, especially bi-monthly payments, you have built up a considerable amount of equity. Pair that with a good FICO score and there is indeed gold in that there house.

What’s Your Fico?

Mortgage Brokers use a FICO scale to determine the amount of money you can borrow against your home and at what interest rate you can borrow this money. This number is between 300 – 850 points and showcases a person’s credit history. This scale was developed in California by the Fair Isaac Corporation, a global decision management company. A credit rating of 700 points is considered “good” and based on a $150,000.00 fixed thirty year mortgage, your rate of interest would be 5.7 percent VS 9.3% if your FICO score was below 600 points. Having a high FICO entitles you to borrow more money at a better rate.

Improving Your Fico

You’ve taken the test, (which is available at most lenders websites), and your score is not as stellar as you had hopped it would be. There are a couple of ways to improve this score:

1. Pay all your bills on time.
2. Keep a small balance on one credit card to keep it “active”.

The FICO website gives you all the “who, what, where, when and why” of the two above suggestions. You can read about the rationale in great detail at that site.

Buyers Beware

With today’s credit options and a good credit rating, you can borrow a lot of money against your home. This ability if not used responsibly and with a good solid financial plan can be ruinous. Some borrowers have gotten over their head and ultimately had to file for bankruptcy. So beware of potential risks.

Illinois Home Equity Loans - A Golden Opportunity

As you can see, a home equity loan is a great way to improve your living space, go on a holiday, plan for retirement or pay off some debts. With the right combination of a good FICO score and proper planning, there really is gold in that there house.

Lions And Loans: Why Finance Should Always Be Personal

by: Rachel Lane

Different types of loans are available for almost every aspect of your life: personal loans, car loans, secured and unsecured loans, home loans, homeowner loans, student loans, graduate loans and career development loans (CDL). If you’ve suffered from credit problems in the past and now hold sub-prime characteristics, then you will be eligible for adverse credit and adverse loans.

You can always borrow money these days, but it is crucial to read the small print as the difference between interest rates is enormous and stories of people forced to pay off amounts which are five times the amount of their original loan are not uncommon.

There are also numerous stories on unemployed couples being sold loans, such as the case of Julie and Kevin Davies, reported by the BBC. The couple were already experiencing difficulty in paying off their existing debts of £4,000, when they were sold another £20,000 loan by Lloyds TSB.

Loans of £1,000 to £25,000 can be taken out and repaid over a period typically varying between six months and 10 years depending on your credit history and available finances. Loans are usually secured or unsecured. Secured loans are tied to your house, so you can be forced to sell the house if you are unable to make the repayments. Unsecured loans do not impose the same restriction, though a default on repayments may result in being “credit blacklisted”. Once blacklisted, you may get future credit card, mortgages and hire purchase applications rejected, as well as face a potential higher rate of interest for all existing debts.

It is absolutely crucial that you shop around for a loan and not just through the high-street banks. The internet offers a wealth of information available and there are many sites which compare the prices of products, and to really ensure you get a good deal – compare the different comparison sites. In the UK moneyfacts, moneyextra and moneynet ( http://www.moneynet.co.uk ) offer price comparison services for a wide range of loans, amongst other financial products. These sites also offer consumer information guides, which you can either print directly off the website or download on to your computer.

Do read all the terms and conditions carefully and ask friends, family and your financial adviser / bank adviser if you don’t understand a particular statement. The annual percentage rate (APR) is particularly important and can make a difference of thousands of pounds over the term of the loan.

Unsecured loans can be purchased from building societies and banks, as well as certain high street shops. Unsecured loans may be taken out for something specific or simply to make life more ‘comfortable’. The process usually involves:

• Requesting a typical amount for the loan
• Discussion of interest rate (APR) and possible loan payment protection insurance
• A credit check, you may wish to get one of these first, so you know what to expect
• Reading the terms and conditions and then signing the agreement
• Money can then be transferred into your account

In the discussion of secured versus unsecured loans, moneynet explains that although secured loans can offer lower interest rates and repayments, many people do not wish to jeopardise the potential loss of their home in the default of a repayment of a secured loan. In unsecured loans, pay attention to the difference in APR, term of the loan and any additional charges such as an early settlement charge or redemption penalty.

Refinance Mortgage Loan – Tips on Refinancing Your Home Mortgage

Refinancing your home mortgage can come with some great perks. If you do it with no money out of pocket, you can skip one to three mortgage payments. You can save money on your payment or pay off your entire mortgage faster when you have better terms. Here are a few things to pay attention to when you refinance your mortgage loan, to make sure that you don’t overlook anything that you might regret, or that can cause you problems later:

1. Apply for a pre-approval to many different lenders to make sure you are getting the lowest rate possible. When you do this, make sure that with the initial pre-approval application, the lender is not pulling your credit history. You will want to reserve your credit pull for the lender that you are most likely to work with. You can decide that after you have gone through the preliminary pre-approval process with a few lenders. Each time your credit is pulled, it docks your credit score just a little. If you have too many inquiries, it could keep you from refinancing your mortgage loan with the lowest rate possible. When you pre-apply for home mortgage loans online, most lenders or mortgage service companies will not initially pull your credit. Check for information about this on their website. They will usually tell you whether or not they are going to pull your credit. Also, if on the application you do not give them your social security number, they cannot pull your credit. If, on the application, they ask you to describe your credit, they are probably not pulling your credit.

2. Make sure that your original mortgage does not have a pre-payment penalty or early payoff penalty of any kind. Sometimes people will get into their mortgage with the mortgage having a pre-payment penalty and they will not even know about it. Pre-payment penalties usually range from 6 months to 3 years with a penalty for an early payoff. The penalty is usually about the amount of 6 months worth of your mortgage loan interest, but this varies. You would have to be able to have some significant payment and interest savings on your refinance loan to justify refinancing a mortgage loan with a pre-payment penalty.

3. When evaluating different lender offers, in the mortgage loan pre-approval process, pay closest attention to the interest rates they are offering & the closing costs. These are the two biggest factors that will help you figure out which lender is right for you. If one of these two factors is too high, it could offset the benefit of refinancing for you.

4. Get your interest rate and closing costs in writing as soon as you decide on a lender to work with. Get your lender to give you a commitment in advance of all of the costs that will be involved with your loan. Find out if the refinance loan you are getting has a pre-payment penalty as well. Sometimes lenders will leave out important information like this, if they think it might scare you away from refinancing with them.

To view a list of highly recommended refinance mortgage lenders, most of which will not pull your credit in the initial application, visit this page: www.abcloanguide.com/refinance.shtml.

Home Equity Loans: Money Under Your Nose

In this time of constant change, there are still two things that stay the same: The tax collectors want more of your hard-earned money. And you want to keep more of it for the things you need. So it pays to consider the tax consequences beforehand as you make those everyday financial decisions, whether it be to go ahead with that much-needed facelift for your kitchen or for yourself.
Be particularly mindful of how to use the tax rules to best advantage if you are a homeowner who has sizable outstanding loans. Because of restrictions on interest deductions, it could make sense to consolidate your debts and thereby reap a double benefit: to be able to borrow at a lower rate, and gain a tax deduction, too. In fact, your home, whether a house, condo or co-op apartment, could open the door to one of your smartest money moves right now.
For starters, let's look at how the rules were tightened and then slightly relaxed. Previously, you could deduct all interest payments on "consumer" loans. Now, however, you get no deduction for consumer interest, a wide-ranging category that includes charge account and credit card balances, auto loans, and other personal debts, such as overdue federal and state income taxes. There is, though, a limited exception for interest on student loans.
Fortunately, most homeowners can sidestep the interest-deduction restrictions. You are still able to deduct 100 percent of the interest charges on as much as $1,000,000 of mortgage loans incurred to buy, build or improve your year-round residence and one other home, such as a vacation retreat.
Moreover, you can deduct 100 percent of the interest on up to an additional $100,000 of loans secured by your home, with no restrictions (other than the purchase of tax-exempt obligations) on how you use the loan proceeds. These borrowings are known as home equity or tax-advantaged loans.
The home-mortgage-interest rules create a unique double benefit, should you tap the equity built up in your home. First, deducting the interest saves federal, as well as state and city income taxes, depending on where you live or work. Secondly, you borrow for less. How come? Because lenders furnish home equity loans at much lower interest rates than for comparable unsecured consumer loans.
Bottom line: Getting the things you need today needn't mean you're saddled with high interest rates. Instead, it can mean trimming taxes considerably, courtesy of a tax- advantaged loan. How, then, does going this route help you? Many financial planners and tax advisers counsel clients to convert nondeductible consumer loans into less expensive, fully deductible, home equity loans. As long as the mortgage-interest rules remain unchanged, this strategy keeps more money in your pocket for this and later years.
Note, too, that debt consolidation is not the only reason to use tax-advantaged loans. Other borrowing needs might include such "big ticket" items as autos or furniture.
Home equity loans are not without some risk, however. Because there is a lien of your home, the lender has the option to foreclose on your property if circumstances prevent you from repaying the loan. So it's important to calculate accurately your ability to repay any loan for which your home is collateral. If you feel uncomfortable with this type of risk, take a look at other borrowing alternatives.

How do I get a Home Equity Loan?

Applying for an equity loan or home equity line of credit is much less rigorous than applying for your first mortgage. Along with sufficient equity in your home--an appraisal will determine its value--your credit must be in good standing, your total indebtedness must meet qualifying ratios, and you must document your income to verify your ability to pay both loans.

Your home must yield an adequate amount between your loan balance and the value of your home. Lenders typically offer competitive market interest rates for a home equity loan (second mortgage) that, combined with your first mortgage, won't take your total home-secured indebtedness beyond 70% to 90% of the value of your home, leaving you with an equity cushion.

You can obtain equity loans with less or zero equity. Loans up to 125% or more of your home's value come with much higher interest rates, perhaps more fees and more stringent qualifying restrictions.

Top 10 Ways to Avoid Loan Fraud -- by David Brumbaugh

Every year, misinformed homebuyers, often first-time purchasers or seniors, become victims of predatory lending or loan fraud. Below you'll find the top ten ways to avoid becoming a victim yourself.

- Take your time and shop around. You should be able to compare prices and houses. If a lender or broker tells you they are your only chance to get a loan or owning a home, don't do business with them.

- Do not sign a sales contract or loan documents that are blank or that contain information which is not true.

- Be certain that the costs and loan terms at closing are what you originally agreed to.

- Do not be talked into lying about (or choose to lie) about your income, expenses, or cash available for downpayments in order to get a loan.

- Watch out for higher-risk loans such as balloon loans, interest only payments, and steep pre-payment penalties.

- Be careful about disclosing things like your need of cash due to medical, unemployment or debt problems. You are very vulnerable in these cases.

- Don't strip your home's equity by refinancing again and again when there is no benefit to you.

- Beware of false appraisals.

- Do not let anyone convince you to borrow more money than you know you can afford to repay. If you get behind on your payments, you risk losing your house and all of the money you put into your property.

- Get several quotes from multiple brokers or lenders so you know you're being charged a fair interest rate based on your credit history, not your race or national origin.

And Here is another article from David: The Three Largest Factors In Your Interest Rate

Home Equity 101

Borrowing against the equity in your home can open doors for you to make home improvements, get rid of credit card debt, pay off student loans, buy a new car, take a dream vacation and much more. The interest rates are relatively low too, especially in today's economic climate.

Use a home equity loan to your advantage
You've worked hard for your home. Now it's time to put your home to work for you with a home equity loan.

Did you know that the number one reason people request a home equity loan is to make home improvements? By making upgrades or repairs to your home, you can increase the fair market value while giving your home a brand new look. Whether you plan to re-sell soon or live there for years, home improvements can make a big difference in the total worth of your home.

Debt consolidation is the second most popular way homeowners take advantage of their home's equity. Many people are overwhelmed by credit card debt and a home equity loan or line of credit can give them the help they need.

They can borrow money at an interest rate that's less than the rate they are currently paying, so they can pay off the amount faster and avoid high interest fees. Also, the interest on a home equity loan may be tax deductible. (Be sure to check with your tax advisor.)

How do I get the best rate?
Although today's rates are the lowest they've been in years, there are some other ways to bring those rates down even further on a home equity line of credit.

• Auto debit. You'll often receive a rate discount if you automatically debit a set amount each month from your credit line. This amount can be used to pay bills, car payments, home repairs and more.
• Immediate utilization. Some lenders give you a rate discount if you agree to use your line of credit as soon as it is issued.