Home Equity Loans

For The Self-Employed

By: Joseph Kenny

Those of you who are among the ranks of the self-employed may have already learned that it is more difficult to get a loan - let alone a home equity loan. The good news, though, is that it is possible. Here is some information and tips about how you can get a home equity loan if you are self-employed.

The truth is, first, that you will find it more difficult to get a loan because you are self-employed. The primary thing that the lender will want to see is proof of a profitable income. Some lenders will make it more difficult than others when you try to prove it. You may be asked by one lender to provide statements for two years, and another one may ask for three years worth of proof. This means that you can probably rule out a no doc loan, too.

Another thing that you will need to watch for - concerning your own finances - is how much debt you already have. All lenders look at the debt-to-income ratio when considering giving a home equity loan, and usually require a maximum of 36%, which includes all mortgages and loans. It seems, though, that it may be a good idea to stay as far from this number as possible when you are self-employed.

You will also want to check over your credit report before you apply, to make sure that there are no inaccurate statements on it. Correcting these is not too difficult, once the problem has been resolved, but you will need to wait about two months before the corrections actually show up on your credit score. If you have less than two years of good, solid income, you will most likely have to pay a higher interest rate. A good credit score, though, will help this to stay reasonable.

Right now, self-employment is becoming more popular. Many lenders still do not have ways to provide for the needs of those of you who are in this category. New products are being developed, though, to meet the rising numbers of those who are leaving the commercial workplace. It may take a while, however, before there is some serious competition and a lessening of the stricter requirements.

Home equity loans can be obtained either as an adjustable rate mortgage, or as a fixed rate mortgage. You will have to calculate which one is more advantageous for your situation, and consider the possibility of rising interest rates now.

Something that you will need to especially consider is that a home equity loan adds another monthly payment to your bills. It also is secured by your home, which means it puts your home at risk if you should default on the loan - for any reason. Remember, also, to leave 20% of the value of your home's equity untouched in order to not have to pay private mortgage insurance.

You may find that one or two lenders will definitely give you a higher interest rate. By looking around, however, and getting several quotes, you can find a lender who will give you the home equity loan you want - with reasonable rates. Compare them carefully, noting things like the interest rate, the fees, and repayment terms. Also watch out for any home equity loan that has a prepayment penalty in it - you don't need it.

Home Equity Line of Credit: Key Benefits

By: Lesley Lyon

Home equity loans are supposed to be a type of second mortgage loans. Money is borrowed against the value of the house. Even though it carries risk, it is worth taking it.

The common type of home equity loan is called as a “closed end” equity loan which allows a certain amount of money based on the value of the house. More money cannot be borrowed on the same equity loan. However, if more money is needed at a later stage another loan can be obtained. Many people prefer a home equity loan to clear off their debts as the money is borrowed against their houses. They get very low interest rate resulting in lower monthly payments than any other loans. It also helps to consolidate all the debts into one single debt, which can be handled with ease.

The other type being the home equity line of credit, which too works the same way as the home equity loan except for the fact that more money can be borrowed against pledging the house, some times even up to 125 percent of the value of the house. The home equity line of credit is for a person who does not have any idea of how much money is needed to borrow. With this option the person can get more money borrowed against his house very easily.

Home equity line of credit also helps the borrower to postpone the payment of principal for a certain period of time agreed upon by both the lender and the borrower or to get a special discounted interest rate. Some lenders even offer flexible interest rate where the borrower pays both the principal and the interest or avails fixed monthly payment plan. It is up to the borrower to choose from. The home equity line of credit comes with a shorter term payment plan. However the risk of losing the home in case the loan payment is defaulted should be thought about.

It is not a big achievement to get a home equity line of credit, but the key lies in the effective utilization of funds. The house is the biggest asset for any person and the home equity loan helps in take the full advantage of it.

Home equity line of credit can be used for unexpected emergencies such as the medical expenses or even for a funeral expenses. The required money is got quickly without damaging the credit score.

Credit card debts, loans and so on can be effectively managed with the help of home equity line of credit. It is wiser to clear off the debts with higher interest rate like the credit card debts and loans and pay back the home equity loans with a lower interest.

Educational expenses are very expensive these days, even a community college will cost thousands of dollars per semester. Home equity loans can be very invaluable in paying these expenses.

For remodeling the house, the amount got through a home equity line of credit is best utilized. New additions like a bedroom, bathroom or remodeling can be done to increase the value of the house. As an owner, the person enjoys the benefits or updates and at the same time adding more value to his house.