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.

Here's a Quick Way to Understand FHA Streamline Refinancing and VA Mortgage Loans

As the number of homes for sale continues to grow across America, home buyers are constantly looking for more home loan choices before making their purchase offers.
With home loan interest rates at multi-decade lows, it can be a stimulant for qualified home buyers to hunker down and make the buying decision they have been delaying. But everything is not Mom's apple pie. The underwriting guidelines from lenders has become substantially tighter and prospective buyers will encounter a bit of research and denials before embarking on the right mortgage loan.
As an example, the only zero down home loan financing choices remaining are for military veterans who qualify for V.A. benefits and Rural Development Housing loans from the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Each of these home loan choices have particular borrower conditions so consult with a competent exeprienced mortgage company so you fully understand all limitations.
One of the most popular types of mortgage home loan currently is by the FHA (Federal Housing Administration) currently requires the borrower to have at least a 3 1/2 percent down payment along with funds for closing costs. However, the closing costs can be a gift from a qualifying relative. Again your mortgage company will consult with you all of these conditions with you.
Fortunately, for borrowers who already have an FHA mortgage on their primary residence, FHA Streamline Refinances exist them and can save them a bundle. By refinancing under this government loan, you can take advantage of this refinancing choice to reduce your mortgage interest rate while saving a lot on your closing costs. Many times borrowers pay nothing out of pocket and do not increase their current motgage balance. In essence, a true rate reduction mortgage. So, it is still advantageous even if you reduce your current rate by 1%.
If your current home loan is a V.A. mortgage, you too can have a streamline refinance choice. It is typically known as the Interest Rate Reduction Refinance Loan and it is a optimal way for eligible veterans to experience substantial monthly savings on their mortgage payments. This refinancing choice also features low closing costs linked with it. As is customary, certain conditions must be met in order to be eligible for a V.A. mortgage refinance. The main concern is there are no late mortgage payments and the home's value.
So, you see that government loans offer some attractive choices for homebuyers and current homeowners. And with the current low interest rate environment, borrowers who do not qualify for government mortgage programs cans still get a great deal as well due to some prediction so perhaps fixed interest rate around the 3.5 percent range which is unheard of. . Yes, we live in some interesting and perhaps one of the best investment eras in quite a while. Will you take advantage or be caught in the headlights

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