The Do’s and Don’ts of Mortgage Equity 

There’s something delightful and exciting about getting a flush of funds coming in from your home equity.

Taking out mortgage equity or a home equity loan might be an attractive option, especially if you need the money for more costly projects, such as major home improvements, debt consolidation, or paying for your child’s college education.

Despite the allure of a second mortgage, it’s crucial to know how to do so in the most prudent and safest manner possible.

A terrible bargain, an interest rate that’s too high, or a financial scenario that’s about to become unsustainable are all possibilities if you don’t protect yourself. Basically, it can be a great financial decision, or it can be a financial trap that will take you years to fix.

Keep on reading for our full breakdown of everything you need to know about house equity options and what you need to do (and NOT do) to get all the benefits and minimize any drawbacks. 

What Is Mortgage Equity?

This is also known as home equity. In the simplest of terms, if your mortgage balance is less than your home’s current market value, you have equity.

The equity you have in your house is $50,000 if you owe $150,000 on your mortgage and it is worth $200,000 now.

There are two methods to grow your equity. The equity in your property will increase as you pay down your mortgage. If your home’s value rises, so will your equity.

If the value of your property decreases faster than the amount of principal you’re paying down on your mortgage, your equity may be reduced as well. This is where you fall into the trap of negative equity. You should check out this guide for more info.

What Exactly Is a Home Equity Loan?

The difference between the current value of your house and the outstanding amount of your mortgage may be used as collateral for a home equity loan, sometimes known as a “second mortgage.”

Let’s assume you put 20% down on a $200,000 house and get a $160,000 loan to cover the rest of the purchase price. That implies you have a $40,0000 equity stake in the house. There’s $50,000 in home equity available to you after only 24 months if your monthly mortgage payments lower the principle by $10,000 over the following two years.

Understanding the Types of Equity Loans: The Home Equity Edition

If you’re thinking about taking out a home equity loan, keep these basics in mind. There are many different types of home equity loans out there, and it may be difficult to know which one is right for you.

In most cases, a bigger loan from a financial institution is used as collateral for a home equity loan.

These loans are available when the value of your house exceeds the amount you owe on the mortgage. Basically, you’re borrowing against your house in order to get a bigger loan than you would otherwise be able to get.

Now, let’s explore the two types of home equity loans available.

Lump-Sum

Conventional loans often come with a set interest rate and a fixed monthly payment schedule, thus this is the most common choice.

So, if you’ve ever taken out a loan, this is going to mimic it in its characteristics. There are no additional bells and whistles.

HELOC Loans

HELOC loans are another sort of home equity loan, in which you are pre-approved for the maximum amount possible from a financial institution, but only draw from that amount when necessary.

However, because of the shifting interest rates and money-line freezes, the HELOC loan is a more risky alternative than a traditional mortgage.

Don’t Borrow More Money Than You Can Afford to Repay

Don’t change your mind about taking out a home equity loan after you’ve made the decision. As tempting as it may be to borrow more than you need, it’s best to stick to the budget you’ve set up for that specific item.

Taking on a lot of debt at once may seem like a smart idea at the time, but it will catch up with you in the long term. The best way to avoid borrowing unnecessary items is to just take what you need. Nothing more and nothing less.

Be Aware of Your Financial Situation

When deciding whether or not to take out a home equity loan, be careful of your financial status, interest rates, and term of the loan.

Your monthly income, savings, and costs should all be taken into consideration before deciding on the sort of second mortgage that works best for you and your situation.

Using the Loan to Cover Unforeseen Expenses

The equity in your house might bring financial relief if you are unable to work due to an accident.

However, an emergency reserve of at least three to six months’ worth of living expenses is a good rule of thumb. Consider setting up an emergency fund today if you don’t already have one.

Many customers begin by making a $25 monthly donation, and subsequently, raise their contributions as their income permits.

Fund Home Improvements With High ROIs

It’s an asset, and as such, it should be put to good use. It is possible to utilize a home equity loan to make home modifications that will keep or raise the value of the property.

In certain cases, borrowing against your equity in your home to fund an investment that is predicted to create a bigger profit than the loan’s cost is a viable option.

Make the Most Out of the Low-Interest Rates

Paying off debt with a home equity loan may make sense if you are saddled with many high-interest obligations.

Home equity loans, which have lower interest rates than many credit cards, may be a cost-effective solution to pay off high-interest monthly bills by switching to a reduced-interest loan over time.

The Home Owner’s Guide to Home Equity

Regardless of your choice, home equity may be a profitable investment if it is put to good use.

Yet, you should be aware of the best practices when obtaining a second mortgage on your house. We hope that our guide has shed some light on the nuances of mortgage equity and helped you make the right choice for your financial situation. 

Next, you’ll need to check out our finance section for all of our other explainers and tips that can help you lead a financially healthy life.