HELOCs and Second Mortgages: Which One Should I Choose?


Whether you need some extra cash to pay off some credit card debts, or to make some home improvements, home equity lines of credit or second mortgages can be great ways to get started.

Many people looking to borrow money often opt for home equity line of credit, or HELOCs, for short. They are a tempting first choice, because they can often give you the much needed cash at a low interest rate. Another advantage to taking out an HELOC, or a home equity line of credit, is that they may provide the borrower with a certain tax break, but you would need to verify this with your lender or accountant.

One drawback to HELOCs, however, is the fact that borrowers are expected to put their homes up as collateral. So, it is important that you think this decision through, before finalizing the loan, because you may be at risk of losing your home- and its equity- if you are late or cannot make your monthly payments. Finally, if you decide to sell your home, must HELOCs will require that you pay off the balance, before completing the sale.

You can also take out a second mortgage, if you need some cash. Like the HELOC, second mortgages usually pay out the loan in one sum, which makes it a convenient option. Second mortgages also have the added advantage of having set payments, at a fixed interest rate. Many companies will charge a lending fee, which will vary from company to company. These fees are usually based upon a percentage of the loan and are frequently referred to as 'points.' If one fee seems too high, don't be afraid to shop around to find one which is better suited to your budget.

Remember, however, that adding a second mortgage to your home carries with it certain risks. Like with home equity lines of credit, you could lose your home, if you fall behind in the payments.

Mark Lambie is the founder of The Loan House a website that allows consumers to quickly and easily get online mortgage quotes and mortgage information.







Related News



FDIC's Bair warns investors fighting loan changes - The Associated Press

CEP News

FDIC's Bair warns investors fighting loan changes
The Associated Press -9 hours ago
"Getting mortgage rates down is ... positive, but it doesn't help people that currently have unaffordable mortgages because it doesn't help them refinance," ...
US Mortgage Continues to Assist Homeowners During Mortgage CrisesWebWire (press release)
all 66 news articles

Bernanke Says US Must Step Up Foreclosure Efforts (Update1) - Bloomberg

Voice of America

Bernanke Says US Must Step Up Foreclosure Efforts (Update1)
Bloomberg -10 hours ago
... been prodding private mortgage servicers and bond investors to cooperate with government efforts to modify or refinance loans for troubled borrowers. ...
Treasurys gain as jobs outlook appears sourMarketWatch
US Federal Reserve chairman calls for mortgage reformThe Australian
Bernanke calls for measures to stem foreclosuresInternational Herald Tribune
Seeking Alpha - The Associated Press
all 1,284 news articles

Mortgage plan shows increased gov't role - Washington Post

Mortgage plan shows increased gov't role
Washington Post, United States -3 hours ago
But other observers say the government has few options to keep money flowing to consumers who want to buy or refinance a home. "We don't have a choice," ...

A Rush Into Refinancing as Mortgage Rates Fall - New York Times

Sify

A Rush Into Refinancing as Mortgage Rates Fall
New York Times, United States -13 hours ago
The Mortgage Bankers Association said its refinance index, which measures refinancing activity, tripled to 3802.8 last week from the week before. ...
Treasury mulls plan to lower mortgage rates to 4.5%CNNMoney.com
MBS Markets Skeptical of Mortgage PlansWall Street Journal
Kashkari: Treasury considering mortgage rate planThe Associated Press
San Jose Mercury News - New York Times
all 836 news articles

When's the Right Time to Refinance? - WFMZ-TV Online

When's the Right Time to Refinance?
WFMZ-TV Online, PA -3 hours ago
It makes sense for people to refinance right now. Rates have fallen one percent in the past two months. FARRIS: Christine Bell with Allegiance Mortgage...

US MBA’s Mortgage Applications More Than Doubled Last Week - Bloomberg

Post Chronicle

US MBA’s Mortgage Applications More Than Doubled Last Week
Bloomberg -Dec 3, 2008
The Mortgage Bankers Association’s index of applications to purchase a home or refinance a loan jumped 112 percent to 857.7, the highest level since March, ...
Mortgage Apps On Rise As Rates DropCBS News
FINANCIAL STOCKS Bulls outlast bears in Wednesday grudge matchMarketWatch
Falling rates spark rush to mortgage applicationsUSA Today
Reuters - CNNMoney.com
all 147 news articles

Lower mortgage rates help but jobs, prices key - Reuters

Boston Globe

Lower mortgage rates help but jobs, prices key
Reuters -Dec 3, 2008
Applications to buy and refinance homes hurtled higher last week as the lowest rates since the summer of 2005 unleashed pent-up demand. ...
US must ensure market aid is temporary: SEC's CoxReuters
all 1,978 news articles

Mortgage Refinance Applications Soar As Rates Fall - EasyBourse.com

Dividend.com

Mortgage Refinance Applications Soar As Rates Fall
EasyBourse.com, France -Dec 3, 2008
The Mortgage Bankers Association's index of refinance applications posted a record 203.3% increase over the previous week. Additionally, the US Treasury ...
Mortgage rates fall, but many borrowers will have trouble qualifyingLos Angeles Times
US move cuts mortgages to lowest rate since FebruaryBaltimore Sun
Last Call for Smart HomeownersMotley Fool
About - News & Issues - AHN
all 502 news articles


Mortgage Rate Drop Causing Local Residents To Refinance - WIFR

Mortgage Rate Drop Causing Local Residents To Refinance
WIFR, IL -3 hours ago
"the percentage of refinancing applications has increased dramatically.. we're running from 25 percent to 75 percent refinance since the rates dropped. ...

Geithner Seeks to Push FDIC’s Bair Out After Clashes (Update1) - Bloomberg

Geithner Seeks to Push FDIC’s Bair Out After Clashes (Update1)
Bloomberg -6 hours ago
... that contributed to the subprime mortgage mess. This year, Bair has proposed using taxpayer funds to help refinance loans for struggling homeowners. ...