Home Equity Line Of Credit: Do You Really Want One?

For the last few years the “home equity line of credit” has gotten a lot of attention.

Home equity is the value of your home minus the remaining mortgage balance which is outstanding. This equity can be used to cover cost and expenses you may have or be used on home remodeling projects you wish to do.

Why Would You Want an Equity Line of Credit?

Unlike a typical loan which deposits a set amount of money in your account and begins charging you interest and payments at a fixed rate until repaid, a line of credit acts as a revolving credit (like your credit card). You do not need to pay interest on the full amount you have access to — you only pay for what you have used. Also, like a credit card, when the debt is repaid you still have access to the credit.

When using an equity line of credit (also known as a HELOC) it gives you greater flexibility with the least cost. Not only can you access the credit only as you need it,your monthly payments will reflect only the balanced used. Some lines of credit have only the interest as the minimum payment which can be helpful when finances are tight. In some case you even have an option of paying just the intrest on the amounts used for a specific span of time.

A HELOC is a great his if you don’t want to spend a large amount in one place..as well as if you want access to that credit agian, once it has been repaid, without asking for another loan.

What can the HELOC be used on??

So you have the loan…not what can you use it on. Here are some examples.

Consolidate Debts

Consolidate or wipe out some of your other bills/debts completely. Not only does this make your monthly breathing room a bit wider…but in the long run it will help your credit score and interest rates that are offered to you on other loans as well.

Second Mortgage

Use your line of credit to pay off the existing mortgage for better interest rates.

Add On, Update or Go Away

Cover the cost of an addition, redecorate, or go on a trip…all at a interest rate lower then most credit cards.

When Should You NOT Use a Line of Credit?

While the before mentioned information sounds great…whats the rest of the it look like.

Some debts — like student loans- have features that you may not be entitled to if you switch them to an equity line of credit.

Other items like cars and vacations may seem like a good idea to buy with your home equity line of credit, but with the ability to pay only the interest you may find the motivation to pay off the debt is lacking and end up owing for items that have lost their value or were consumable. Plan to pay off the debt quickly for the most advantage.

A Second mortgage (or refinancing) may or may not be a good idea depending on interest rates and your repayment terms. While lines of credit take advantage of current low interest rates you may find that your regular loans protect you better from fluctuating rates if you will not be paying the loan down in the next few years.

Using your finances wisely can give you great relief and freedom. Before taking on any financial obligations it is important to understand the risks as well as the benefits.

Doc Schmyz has done real estate deals all over the US and Canada. He built a free website shares Real estate investing information for all over the US. Find real estate information by state