For boomers, this is a great time to consider taking out a home equity loan (HEL) or home equity line of credit (HELOC).
Every day, about 10,000 baby boomers turn 65, the “traditional” age for retirement – or at least, the age when many people decide to call it quits and leave their jobs. In years past, many retirees could count on a workplace pension combined with Social Security benefits and personal savings to help them afford their retirement as long as they had modest financial needs.
But today, that's all changed; Social Security has not been keeping pace with withdrawal demands and inflation, the lion's share of businesses no longer offer employee pensions, and the stock market volatility of a few years ago all but wiped out the personal retirement savings of millions of men and women nearing or already at retirement age. Add to that the longer life expectancy for both men and women and it's easy to see why so many men and women are worried about having enough money to afford to live during their retirement years. In fact, numerous studies have shown just how woefully unprepared most people are when they reach their retirement years with the average retirement savings hovering well under $100,000. What is a retiree to do?
By the time retirement has arrived, most men and women have built up considerable equity in their homes – equity that can provide a much-needed financial cushion and extra peace of mind. Although home equity is one commodity shared by the majority of baby boomers, it's often overlooked as a source of funds for retirees. At least part of that is due to the fact that home equity loans are most commonly marketed as loans for life expenses like weddings, college education or home improvements, and not viewed as traditional vehicles for helping to offset some of the expenses of retirement. That view has begun to change more recently as older Americans are more commonly including their home's equity in their retirement planning.
If you have equity in your home, there are two primary ways to unlock it: Consider downsizing to a smaller home now that your children are grown and on their own, or take out a home equity loan (HEL) or home equity line of credit (HELOC). Downsizing can free up cash when you sell your current home and purchase a less expensive home in return. But a recent survey by AARP found most retirees – about 90 percent of those surveyed – don't care to downsize; they want to remain in their homes as they get older, which makes home equity loans an especially attractive option. The primary difference between the two options is how the money is disbursed. A HEL gives you your money in a lump sum while a HELOC lets you draw from a line of credit as you need it. Not only can a HEL or HELOC help you handle the costs of retirement, it can also help fund improvements and modifications to your home that allow you to stay put as you get older.
Is a HEL or HELOC right for you?
If you're retired or you're planning on retiring soon, now is a great time to explore home equity loans.
Rates remain near historic lows, which means this is the ideal time to lock in a great rate. You've invested a lot in your home. Take a few moments right now to review our rate tables to compare all your options and see just how easy it can be for your home to start paying you back for a change.
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APR is variable and based on the Prime Rate (Prime) published in the Wall Street Journal (4.75% as of 12/1/2019) minus 0.50% adjusted each billing cycle. To receive the lowest rate, Eastern Bank requires a minimum draw of $25,000 and establishing automatic payments from an Eastern Bank Personal Checking Account. Minimum APR is 3.99%. Maximum APR is 18%. Minimum line amount is $10,000 and maximum line amount is $2,500,000. Subject to credit application and approval. Rates are subject to change.
Simple online applications means you can apply anywhere.
Ability to convert your variable rate into as many as five fixed-rate loans.
Easy access to funds through your phone or online.
Our APRs start at 4.99% for the most qualified applicants and are higher for other applicants. For example, for a borrower with a CLTV of 45% and a credit score of 800, a five-year Figure Home Equity Line with an initial draw amount of $50,000 would have a fixed annual percentage rate (APR) of 4.99% and a 3.00% origination fee. Your total loan amount would be $51,500. Origination fees range from 0-4.99% of your initial draw depending on your credit score and the state in which your property is located. The advertised rate is available only to borrowers using primary residences as collateral. Your actual rate will depend on many factors such as your credit, combined loan to value ratio, loan term and occupancy status. The advertised APR includes an autopay discount of 0.75%. APRs start at 5.74% for customers that do not opt in to autopay.
Low fixed loan rate. Borrow $15,000-$150,000.
Approvals in 5 minutes, funding in as few as 5 days
No appraisal fee. No maintenance fee. No pre-payment fee. No late fee.
Get approved in 5 minutes. Funded in as little as 5 days.
Rates and terms are subject to change without notice. Applications are subject to credit approval. The Annual Percentage Rate (“APR”) is a variable rate and is established based on an Index PLUS or MINUS a margin. The Index is the highest United States Prime Rate as published in the Eastern Edition of The Wall Street Journal ("Prime Rate") on the last business day before the start of each month’s billing cycle. The minimum APR is 3.50%. The maximum APR is 18.00%. The rates shown reflect a 1-to 2 unit owner occupied primary residence, including condominiums. Receive a .25% percentage point rate discount if you choose to make your payment using auto debit from a People’s United checking account. Other terms and conditions may apply. There is a $75 annual fee, which is waived for qualified People’s United Bank checking accounts. There is a prepayment penalty fee of $500 if you close your account within two (2) years after the date of your Note. If the Note is secured by property located in the State of New York, borrower(s) must also pay People’s United Bank back the mortgage tax paid by the Bank at the time of the origination of the Note . Home Equity Lines of Credit are available only for 1 - 4 unit owner occupied primary residences, 1 unit second homes and condominiums in Connecticut, Massachusetts, Maine, Vermont, New Hampshire and select counties in the state of New York and are not available on cooperatives or properties listed for sale. The Home Equity Line of Credit has a minimum line amount of $25,000 and a maximum line amount of $750,000. Property insurance is required. Flood insurance may be required.
People’s United Bank, N.A. Member FDIC Equal Housing Lender NMLS#464603
No appliction fee, no origination fee and no closing costs
Conditions… Variable APR of Prime minus 1.01% in all states. Min loan amount $10,000. Max loan amount $200,000. 30-year term. Annual fee waived for the first year. See conditions for guarantee at thirdfederal.com.
Third Federal rate are typically 20% lower than other leaders
Guaranteed Lowest Rate
No closing costs, prepayment penalties, or minimum draw requirements
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