Equity loans and home equity lines of credit that the homeowner secures by taking loan for his home. Equity loans or credit lines may be available to borrowers if they own home equity.
A home has equity if its current value is greater than its owed amount. When borrowers’ home value exceeds their outstanding loan balance, they can borrow against the equity in their home.
Borrowers receive a lump sum upfront when they exchange fixed payments with loans. The loan also has a fixed interest rate which the borrower has to pay.
On the other hand, home equity lines of credit are credit lines that may be extended upon request and are limited to a certain amount. HELOCs have variable interest rates, and their repay amount often varies.
What is the process of getting a HELOC?
HELOCs are secured loans backed by your equity, borrowers usually get it against the value of their home. When you pay off your outstanding balance, the available credit is replenished.
It is possible to draw during your draw period (typically a decade) as many times as necessary, up to the limit you set at closing. In most cases, as soon as the draw period ends, the repayment period begins.
A few common uses for HELOCs.
It is permissible for the borrower to use the funds, no matter if they have taken it against their home. HELOCs are instead flexible lines of credit that can be used for everything from home improvements and new appliances to education costs and some significant things too. Homeowners can also use it to consolidate debt or even cash flow irregularities.
Other important information;
- A home equity loan is secured by the home equity.
- They have a fixed interest rate for the duration of loan.
- As a result, the minimum monthly payments are variable with a HELOC.
- HELOCs offer borrowers the option of withdrawing funds after paying the interest.
HELOC requirements.
If you are to apply for HELOC you must meet several requirements, including:
- Borrowers cannot owe more than 40% of their overall income.
- credit scores of 620 or higher.
- and a track record of timely payments.
- history of timely repayment of credit lines.
- your home must be valued at 15% or more.
Owing to the economic disturbance caused by COVID-19, several banks are tightening their lending requirements for HELOCs. Bank of America is an example of an institution that has announced it has increased its credit score requirement from 660 to 720. Some institutes like Chase and Wells Fargo no longer accept HELOC applications.
Wrapping Up
In the United States, HELOCs or home equity lines of credit are known as revolving credit lines. Borrowers may borrow up to the preset limit on the credit line, pay the amounts, and then borrow again.
Unlike a Home Equity Loan,(HELOC) allows the borrower to access the loan proceeds as needed rather than receiving the proceeds at once. Credit lines remain open until their terms expire. A borrower’s minimum payment may also change according to how the credit line is used.