Repayment Options for Your Home Equity Loan
Article Submitted By: BestCashCow
Several factors can come into play when trying to select the right home equity loan. Each lender can set their own terms and rates and the repayment plan can also vary from lender to lender. Make sure you choose a loan with a repayment schedule that works for your situation.
Several factors can come into play when trying to select the right home equity loan. Each lender can set their own terms and rates and the repayment plan can also vary from lender to lender. Make sure you choose a loan with a repayment schedule that works for your situation. Compare home equity rates.
Repaying a Home Equity Loan (HEL)
If you decide to select a home equity loan, be prepared to receive a lump sum of money upfront from the lender. It is a lot like financing an auto loan where interest is charged on top of your monthly principal payments and amortized until your debt is repaid in full. The interest rate is fixed (generally up to 180 months or 15 years) and secured by collateral, in this case the equity in your home instead of your car.
Repaying a Home Equity Line of Credit (HELOC)
A home equity line of credit acts a lot like a credit card. Instead of fixed payments over a specified period of time, you are given a maximum credit line that you can borrow against in increments as needed and pay back in monthly installments. You can access your credit line as needed - for a specified period of time or draw period -- up to your credit limit either by check or by an access card linked to the HELOC.
You may pay interest only on the amount that is borrowed. However, at the end of the term you may have to pay the entire principal, usually in the form of a balloon; payment. Or you can pay a combined principal and interest payment each month. Most loans allow for principal and interest payments to be amortized over the repayment term.
Your monthly payments are based on the amount of interest you borrow and the current interest rate. The interest rate can vary since variable rate HELOCs are tied to a specific index and margin. Because the interest rate is tied directly to an index, it is advisable to look into how much your rate may change based on past history.
