Second Mortgage / Home Equity vs. Refinance
Here are some reasons to take out a second mortgage or a home equity line of credit instead of refinancing.
1. Second Mortgages usually have an interest rant that is twice or even three times as high as your first mortgage rate. You can refinance instead and keep a very low rate. In the long run a second mortgage will just cost you money in interest charges.
2. Home equity lines of credit are designed for mortgage account executives (salespeople) to sell you on using it like a credit card attached to your home. They will try to convince you to use it over and over again.
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3. A refinance loan is better for the equity in your home. Very few companies will refinance your home at 100% of it’s value without forcing you to take out a second mortgage. You don’t want to use 100% of your equity because that means you no longer have that equity to fall back on in emergency situations.
4. Second Mortgages and Home Equity lines of credit are designed to provide account executives (salespeople) with another tool to sway you into putting another commission in their pocket.
5. Your equity is a precious thing and should not be used for unnecessary add ons or impulse buys. If you don’t need it and there is even a slight chance you can’t afford it, then don’t get a second mortgage to buy it.
The only reason that I would ever recommend a second mortgage or a home equity line of credit is in an emergency situation. Only when there is no other option and you must take out a loan would I recommend either one of these options.
Sunday, September 23, 2007
Tips On Using a Mortgage to Consolidate Your Debt
Tips On Using a Mortgage to Consolidate Your Debt
Many homeowners consider the possibility of using a mortgage to consolidate existing debt. If you have already repaid your mortgage, you can take out another primary mortgage. Taking out a second mortgage is an additional option to consolidate debts for those homeowners who still have a primary mortgage. How sound of an idea is it to use a mortgage to consolidate your debts?
You should never use a mortgage to consolidate your debts if the interest rate for your debt is lower than the interest rate you would have on a mortgage. This would mean that you are paying a higher cost for the mortgage than you were paying on your debts. This is not a sound financial decision. There is a slight exception to this rule. If you your current debt has some kind of introductory rate that will expire and leave you with an interest rate that will be higher than that of the mortgage, then a mortgage to consolidate debt is worth considering.
There are other factors, in addition to interest rate, that you should take into account when you consider using a mortgage to consolidate your debt. When you have less than 20% equity in your home, you are required to pay private mortgage insurance. If these premiums plus the amount of your mortgage without consolidating your debts is the same as or less than the amount of your mortgage with consolidating your debt, then you do not incur extra costs by consolidating. However, if the private mortgage insurance causes your monthly payment to increase, then consolidation is costing you.
A lot of homeowners make the mistake of thinking only about the monthly payment of their mortgage in addition to what they are paying on their debts without consolidating in comparison to the mortgage with debt consolidating. Take into account that when you consolidate debt with a mortgage, you are paying it over a longer period of time, which accounts for the lower monthly payment.
Before you apply for a mortgage, you should find out your credit score. Chances are if you are having trouble with credit, then you have a less than perfect credit score. Remember that your credit score will affect the interest rate and terms you receive on a mortgage. If your credit score is below 600, the likelihood of you receiving favorable loan terms is low; not impossible, just low.
Keep in mind that when you use a mortgage to consolidate your debt, that the debt is not eliminated. Instead, you are transferring your debt from one form to another.
The best way to determine what it will cost you to consolidate your debts using a mortgage or pay them straight out is to use a mortgage calculator as well as a debt repayment calculator. Logic can be flawed, but numbers never lie. There are calculators available that will assist you in both of these calculations. Use the calculator to test out different loan amounts and mortgage rates to get a good picture of how much consolidating will cost you.
Many homeowners consider the possibility of using a mortgage to consolidate existing debt. If you have already repaid your mortgage, you can take out another primary mortgage. Taking out a second mortgage is an additional option to consolidate debts for those homeowners who still have a primary mortgage. How sound of an idea is it to use a mortgage to consolidate your debts?
You should never use a mortgage to consolidate your debts if the interest rate for your debt is lower than the interest rate you would have on a mortgage. This would mean that you are paying a higher cost for the mortgage than you were paying on your debts. This is not a sound financial decision. There is a slight exception to this rule. If you your current debt has some kind of introductory rate that will expire and leave you with an interest rate that will be higher than that of the mortgage, then a mortgage to consolidate debt is worth considering.
There are other factors, in addition to interest rate, that you should take into account when you consider using a mortgage to consolidate your debt. When you have less than 20% equity in your home, you are required to pay private mortgage insurance. If these premiums plus the amount of your mortgage without consolidating your debts is the same as or less than the amount of your mortgage with consolidating your debt, then you do not incur extra costs by consolidating. However, if the private mortgage insurance causes your monthly payment to increase, then consolidation is costing you.
A lot of homeowners make the mistake of thinking only about the monthly payment of their mortgage in addition to what they are paying on their debts without consolidating in comparison to the mortgage with debt consolidating. Take into account that when you consolidate debt with a mortgage, you are paying it over a longer period of time, which accounts for the lower monthly payment.
Before you apply for a mortgage, you should find out your credit score. Chances are if you are having trouble with credit, then you have a less than perfect credit score. Remember that your credit score will affect the interest rate and terms you receive on a mortgage. If your credit score is below 600, the likelihood of you receiving favorable loan terms is low; not impossible, just low.
Keep in mind that when you use a mortgage to consolidate your debt, that the debt is not eliminated. Instead, you are transferring your debt from one form to another.
The best way to determine what it will cost you to consolidate your debts using a mortgage or pay them straight out is to use a mortgage calculator as well as a debt repayment calculator. Logic can be flawed, but numbers never lie. There are calculators available that will assist you in both of these calculations. Use the calculator to test out different loan amounts and mortgage rates to get a good picture of how much consolidating will cost you.
Second Mortgage At A Glance
Second Mortgage
Home ownership allows you the opportunity to use that home as collateral for a second mortgage. Second mortgages can be used for anything that requires payment including high-interest debt, home improvement, entertainment, college funds, etc... The interest rate of a second mortgage is normally much lower than that of personal loans or credit cards because there is very tight competition in the lending industry.
Second mortgages are secured against your home, and your existing home equity is used to fund the loan. Your available home equity is the value of your property minus your mortgage balance. Depending on your credit profile, some lenders will allow you to borrow up to 125% of this equity in a second mortgage. (Grab your credit report here).
When choosing the best debt solution for you, keep in mind that a second mortgage usually carries a higher interest rate than the first. If your current mortgage rate is higher than you would prefer, mortgage refinance may be a better option for you. Common alternatives to second mortgages include home equity loans and home equity lines of credit. To get more home equity info, go here to see if a home equity loan or home equity line of credit might be a better choice for you.
Home ownership allows you the opportunity to use that home as collateral for a second mortgage. Second mortgages can be used for anything that requires payment including high-interest debt, home improvement, entertainment, college funds, etc... The interest rate of a second mortgage is normally much lower than that of personal loans or credit cards because there is very tight competition in the lending industry.
Second mortgages are secured against your home, and your existing home equity is used to fund the loan. Your available home equity is the value of your property minus your mortgage balance. Depending on your credit profile, some lenders will allow you to borrow up to 125% of this equity in a second mortgage. (Grab your credit report here).
When choosing the best debt solution for you, keep in mind that a second mortgage usually carries a higher interest rate than the first. If your current mortgage rate is higher than you would prefer, mortgage refinance may be a better option for you. Common alternatives to second mortgages include home equity loans and home equity lines of credit. To get more home equity info, go here to see if a home equity loan or home equity line of credit might be a better choice for you.
Refinance Second Mortgage
A few years ago you ran into some debt problems, your credit (FICO) score took a nosedive, and you had to take out a second mortgage to cover all the bills. Since that time, you've managed to recover financially, religiously paid all your bills on time and wonder if you might not be able to refinance that high-interest second mortgage.
Yes, you can. By now, you are probably beyond the prepayment penalty and ready for a little financial breather. It's time to refinance that second mortgage and this time you will probably be able to get more money at a lower interest rate. Your hard work has paid off.
At this point you have many options. You may want to roll what's left on your 2nd mortgage into one mortgage payment by completely refinancing your home. Now that your credit is back on track, this is a very viable option, especially with the current interest rates as low as they are.
Do you go for a fixed- or an adjustable rate-mortgage? Do you seek a 15-, 20- or 30-year mortgage? Good questions and they all depend on your future plans. Let's say your job situation has changed and there is a good chance you won't be living in the house more than another five years. In that case, it might be best to take a standard 30-year mortgage at an adjustable rate. In most cases, this will allow you to live in your home at a lower monthly payment, allow the home to appreciate in value and when it comes time to sell, you could walk away with enough money in your pocket to move into a bigger home. This is just one scenario; it all depends on your personal situation.
Mortgage lenders have become very creative over the last few years, and if your credit and professional situation indicate you are a good "risk" for refinancing, you will be amazed at the number of options you have.
Once again, when refinancing a second mortgage — or any mortgage refinance — care must be taken in selecting a lender. Make sure you get a copy of your current credit (FICO) score and proof of payment for all your bills. Now, it's time to go online. That's right, no driving from lending institution to lending institution filling out tons of forms along the way.
Yes, you can. By now, you are probably beyond the prepayment penalty and ready for a little financial breather. It's time to refinance that second mortgage and this time you will probably be able to get more money at a lower interest rate. Your hard work has paid off.
At this point you have many options. You may want to roll what's left on your 2nd mortgage into one mortgage payment by completely refinancing your home. Now that your credit is back on track, this is a very viable option, especially with the current interest rates as low as they are.
Do you go for a fixed- or an adjustable rate-mortgage? Do you seek a 15-, 20- or 30-year mortgage? Good questions and they all depend on your future plans. Let's say your job situation has changed and there is a good chance you won't be living in the house more than another five years. In that case, it might be best to take a standard 30-year mortgage at an adjustable rate. In most cases, this will allow you to live in your home at a lower monthly payment, allow the home to appreciate in value and when it comes time to sell, you could walk away with enough money in your pocket to move into a bigger home. This is just one scenario; it all depends on your personal situation.
Mortgage lenders have become very creative over the last few years, and if your credit and professional situation indicate you are a good "risk" for refinancing, you will be amazed at the number of options you have.
Once again, when refinancing a second mortgage — or any mortgage refinance — care must be taken in selecting a lender. Make sure you get a copy of your current credit (FICO) score and proof of payment for all your bills. Now, it's time to go online. That's right, no driving from lending institution to lending institution filling out tons of forms along the way.
Some Terms For Second Mortgage
A second mortgage typically refers to a secured loan (or mortgage) that is subordinate to another loan against the same property.
In real estate, a property can have multiple loans or liens against it. The loan which is registered with county or city registry first is called the first mortgage or first position trust deed. The lien registered second is called the second mortgage. A property can have a third or even fourth mortgage, but those are rarer.
Second mortgages are called subordinate because, if the loan goes into default, the first mortgage gets paid off first before the second mortgage gets any money. Thus, second mortgages are riskier for the lender, who generally charges a higher interest rate.
In most cases, a second mortgage takes the form of a home equity loan and the two are synonymous, from a financial standpoint. The difference in terminology is that a mortgage traditionally refers to the legal lien instrument, rather than the debt itself.
A secured loan is a loan in which the borrower pledges some asset (e.g. a car or property) as collateral for the loan, which then becomes a secured debt owed to the creditor who gives the loan. The debt is thus secured against the collateral — in the event that the borrower defaults, the creditor takes possession of the asset used as collateral and may sell it to satisfy the debt by regaining the amount originally lent to the borrower. From the creditor's perspective this is a category of debt in which a lender has been granted a portion of the bundle of rights to specified property. The opposite of secured debt/loan is unsecured debt, which is not connected to any specific piece of property and instead the creditor may satisfy the debt against the borrower rather than just the borrower's collateral.
Real estate or immovable property is a legal term (in some jurisdictions) that encompasses land along with anything permanently affixed to the land, such as buildings. Real estate (immovable property) is often considered synonymous with real property (also sometimes called realty), in contrast with personal property (also sometimes called chattel or personalty). However, for technical purposes, some people prefer to distinguish real estate, referring to the land and fixtures themselves, from real property, referring to ownership rights over real estate.
The terms real estate and real property are used primarily in common law, while civil law jurisdictions refer instead to immovable property.
A home equity loan (sometimes abbreviated HEL) is a type of loan in which the borrower uses the equity in their home as collateral. These loans are sometimes useful for families to help finance major home repairs, medical bills or college education. A home equity loan creates a lien against the borrower's house, and reduces actual home equity.
Home equity loans are most commonly second position liens (second trust deed), although they can be held in first or, less commonly, third position. Most home equity loans require good to excellent credit history, and reasonable loan-to-value and combined loan-to-value ratios. Home equity loans come in two types, closed end and open end.
Both are usually referred to as second mortgages, because they are secured against the value of the property, just like a traditional mortgage. Home equity loans and lines of credit are usually, but not always, for a shorter term than first mortgages. In the United States, it is sometimes possible to deduct home equity loan interest on one's personal income taxes.
Collateral, especially within banking, may traditionally refer to secured lending (also known as asset-based lending) as well as more recently as collateralisation arrangements to secure trade transactions (also known as capital market collateralization). The former often presents unilateral obligations, secured in the form of property, surety, guarantee or other as collateral (originally denoted by the term security), whereas the latter often presents bilateral obligations secured by more liquid assets such as cash or securities, often known as margin. Another example might be to ask for collateral in exchange for holding something of value until it is returned (ie, I'll hold onto your wallet while you borrow my cell phone).
In many developing countries, the use of collateral is the main way to secure bank financing. The ease of getting credit is associated with the opportunity to use movable and immovable assets as collateral.
In real estate, a property can have multiple loans or liens against it. The loan which is registered with county or city registry first is called the first mortgage or first position trust deed. The lien registered second is called the second mortgage. A property can have a third or even fourth mortgage, but those are rarer.
Second mortgages are called subordinate because, if the loan goes into default, the first mortgage gets paid off first before the second mortgage gets any money. Thus, second mortgages are riskier for the lender, who generally charges a higher interest rate.
In most cases, a second mortgage takes the form of a home equity loan and the two are synonymous, from a financial standpoint. The difference in terminology is that a mortgage traditionally refers to the legal lien instrument, rather than the debt itself.
A secured loan is a loan in which the borrower pledges some asset (e.g. a car or property) as collateral for the loan, which then becomes a secured debt owed to the creditor who gives the loan. The debt is thus secured against the collateral — in the event that the borrower defaults, the creditor takes possession of the asset used as collateral and may sell it to satisfy the debt by regaining the amount originally lent to the borrower. From the creditor's perspective this is a category of debt in which a lender has been granted a portion of the bundle of rights to specified property. The opposite of secured debt/loan is unsecured debt, which is not connected to any specific piece of property and instead the creditor may satisfy the debt against the borrower rather than just the borrower's collateral.
Real estate or immovable property is a legal term (in some jurisdictions) that encompasses land along with anything permanently affixed to the land, such as buildings. Real estate (immovable property) is often considered synonymous with real property (also sometimes called realty), in contrast with personal property (also sometimes called chattel or personalty). However, for technical purposes, some people prefer to distinguish real estate, referring to the land and fixtures themselves, from real property, referring to ownership rights over real estate.
The terms real estate and real property are used primarily in common law, while civil law jurisdictions refer instead to immovable property.
A home equity loan (sometimes abbreviated HEL) is a type of loan in which the borrower uses the equity in their home as collateral. These loans are sometimes useful for families to help finance major home repairs, medical bills or college education. A home equity loan creates a lien against the borrower's house, and reduces actual home equity.
Home equity loans are most commonly second position liens (second trust deed), although they can be held in first or, less commonly, third position. Most home equity loans require good to excellent credit history, and reasonable loan-to-value and combined loan-to-value ratios. Home equity loans come in two types, closed end and open end.
Both are usually referred to as second mortgages, because they are secured against the value of the property, just like a traditional mortgage. Home equity loans and lines of credit are usually, but not always, for a shorter term than first mortgages. In the United States, it is sometimes possible to deduct home equity loan interest on one's personal income taxes.
Collateral, especially within banking, may traditionally refer to secured lending (also known as asset-based lending) as well as more recently as collateralisation arrangements to secure trade transactions (also known as capital market collateralization). The former often presents unilateral obligations, secured in the form of property, surety, guarantee or other as collateral (originally denoted by the term security), whereas the latter often presents bilateral obligations secured by more liquid assets such as cash or securities, often known as margin. Another example might be to ask for collateral in exchange for holding something of value until it is returned (ie, I'll hold onto your wallet while you borrow my cell phone).
In many developing countries, the use of collateral is the main way to secure bank financing. The ease of getting credit is associated with the opportunity to use movable and immovable assets as collateral.
1st VS 2nd Mortgage Refinance Loan
1st And 2nd Mortgage Refinance Loan
Refinancing a first and second mortgage requires some extra considerations. Depending on your equity, you may find that combining the two mortgages results in a higher interest rate. You may also find that you have to carry PMI with the refinanced mortgage.
Will Refinancing Benefit You?
Refinancing two mortgages allows you to consolidate your loans into one payment, often lowering your monthly bill. You may also find lower rates under the right circumstances.
Those with a large amount of equity benefit most from consolidating loans since they qualify for the lowest rates. It is important to look at interest savings, not just monthly numbers which can be misleading.
However, if you have less than 25% equity, you may end up qualifying for higher rates. With less than 20% equity, you will also have to pay for private mortgage insurance. Even with these factors, you may still find that you will save money by refinancing.
Have You Done Your Research?
To see if refinancing makes sense for you, research mortgage lenders. You can quickly go online and request quotes and terms. Look at the different offers, and work out the numbers. An online mortgage
calculator can help you figure out monthly payments and interest costs.
An easy way to compare cost is to first add up your interest payments for both mortgages. Use this number to compare interest payments with each potential mortgage.
You also need to factor in the cost of refinancing. Just like with your original mortgage, you will have to pay fees and points. You want to be sure that you can recoup these costs with your interest savings.
Why Do You Want To Refinance Both Mortgages?
While refinancing both mortgages is convenient, you may decide to refinance only one or both separately. With your main mortgage, you can expect to get low rates.
A second mortgage will usually qualify for higher rates, but you can lock them in. You may also choose to convert from a line of credit to an actual mortgage. Again, you will want to investigate financial packages before signing up with a lender.
Refinancing a first and second mortgage requires some extra considerations. Depending on your equity, you may find that combining the two mortgages results in a higher interest rate. You may also find that you have to carry PMI with the refinanced mortgage.
Will Refinancing Benefit You?
Refinancing two mortgages allows you to consolidate your loans into one payment, often lowering your monthly bill. You may also find lower rates under the right circumstances.
Those with a large amount of equity benefit most from consolidating loans since they qualify for the lowest rates. It is important to look at interest savings, not just monthly numbers which can be misleading.
However, if you have less than 25% equity, you may end up qualifying for higher rates. With less than 20% equity, you will also have to pay for private mortgage insurance. Even with these factors, you may still find that you will save money by refinancing.
Have You Done Your Research?
To see if refinancing makes sense for you, research mortgage lenders. You can quickly go online and request quotes and terms. Look at the different offers, and work out the numbers. An online mortgage
calculator can help you figure out monthly payments and interest costs.
An easy way to compare cost is to first add up your interest payments for both mortgages. Use this number to compare interest payments with each potential mortgage.
You also need to factor in the cost of refinancing. Just like with your original mortgage, you will have to pay fees and points. You want to be sure that you can recoup these costs with your interest savings.
Why Do You Want To Refinance Both Mortgages?
While refinancing both mortgages is convenient, you may decide to refinance only one or both separately. With your main mortgage, you can expect to get low rates.
A second mortgage will usually qualify for higher rates, but you can lock them in. You may also choose to convert from a line of credit to an actual mortgage. Again, you will want to investigate financial packages before signing up with a lender.
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