Home Equity Lines of Credit Can Be Effective Financial Planning Instruments for the Affluent
Home Equity Lines of Credit Can Be Effective Financial Planning Instruments for the Affluent
Author:Ari Socolow
on June 28, 2017
- modified on October 6, 2018
I have plenty of friends who have paid off their mortgages and loans as soon as they came into money, and vowed, ever since, never to take out another loan in their lives.
While that sentiment may bode well for those of extraordinary net worth, it overlooks the value that home equity lines of credit can provide to those of more ordinary means (normal folk and even the merely wealthy) in their financial planning.
Let’s examine the basics of home equity lines of credit first in order to understand what makes them appealing. First, home equity lines of credit are typically less costly and more flexible than home equity loans. Importantly, as the borrower, you only borrow the amount that you need, and thus you only pay interest on the amount that you need and draw. And, while the payback schedule, therefore, is highly flexible, the amortization schedule ordinarily does not require payback of the principal drawn until year 10. In other words, the home equity lines of credit are interest only loans for the first 10 years.
Typically, lenders will lend from $200,000 up to $500,000.
Key Advantages for the Affluent
Since you pay interest only as you go and on what you draw out over the first 10 years, the affluent, particularly those who are self-employed, can use a home equity line of credit to float day-to-day expenses. According to Janis Bronstein, a Vice President at FM Home Loans, a Hamptons, NY-based mortgage brokerage, home equity can even out uneven expenses and provide a bridge for other purposes, such as home improvements or auto purchases. If you qualify, you can even use a home equity line of credit to finance the purchase of another home while you are trying to sell your current home. To do this you need to meet the debt to income ratio guidelines and down payment guidelines set forth by the new mortgagor.
The new mortgagor will base their calculations for qualifying based on the assumption that your line of credit is fully drawn.
Pricing and Qualification
The pricing of a home equity line of credit varies from lender to lender. You can see the pricing offered by some lenders here. In general, it is important to understand that the rate of a home equity loan is based on the prime lending rate (“prime”) which is the rate that commercial banks charge their most creditworthy customers. Most lenders add on a margin above the prime rate, and the home equity line, of course, is dependent on your credit score falling within certain parameters and the loan-to-value of what you are financing.
When determining whether you qualify for a home equity line of credit, lenders usually assume that the prime lending rate moves 2% higher than it is on the pricing date (or higher) and look at your ability, based on your cash flow, to pay back the loan with principal amortization over a 20-year term. They perform this stress test to be sure you will have the ability to meet the loan even with fluctuations of prime and a shorter repayment period that might be stated in the loan.
Some Possible Disadvantages
Ms. Bronstein also points out that while home equity loans are generally more flexible and cheaper than home equity loans and less burdensome than credit cards, they do bear risks and disadvantages.
One real risk in a home equity loan is found in the fact that repayment terms are tied to the prime lending rate fluctuates, and may fluctuate greatly. The prime lending rate is more likely to inch up, as opposed to down, over the next few years, as the Federal Reserve raises the Fed Funds rate.
Consumers, therefore, should also analyze whether it makes more sense than a cash-out mortgage refinance. For example, with prime right now at 4.25%, the BestCashCow mortgage refinance tables show a 30-year fixed rate of 3.75% on the date of this publication. That rate and that product may make more sense for a borrower who is going to keep the cash out for a lengthy period. However, some borrowers intending to keep cash out and attracted to the lower rates may will still find home equity lines of credit to be the product of choice, as they can often go up to 90% of the value of the property against which they are issued, and avoid the need for private mortgage insurance (PMI).
See the best home equity line of credit rates where you live here.
Ari Socolow: Ari Socolow is the Chief Economist and Editor-in-Chief at BestCashCow. He is particularly interested in issues relating to bank transparency and the climate crisis. Since co-founding BestCashCow in 2005, Ari has been frequently cited in the media as an expert on local and national savings accounts, CD products, mortgage and loan products and credit card rewards products.
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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
The Figure Home Equity Line is an open-end product where the full loan amount (minus the origination fee) will be 100% drawn at the time of origination. The initial amount funded at origination will be based on a fixed rate; however, this product contains an additional draw feature. As the borrower repays the balance on the line, the borrower may make additional draws during the draw period. If the borrower elects to make an additional draw, the interest rate for that draw will be set as of the date of the draw and will be based on an Index, which is the Prime Rate published in the Wall Street Journal for the calendar month preceding the date of the additional draw, plus a fixed margin. Accordingly, the fixed rate for any additional draw may be higher than the fixed rate for the initial draw.
Fastest way to turn home equity into cash
Flexible terms, redraw up to 100%, borrow $20k-$400k
Approval in as little as 5 minutes. Funding in as few as 5 days.
Use to consolidate debt or finance your next home project
Home Equity Lines, Refinance, & Second Mortgages
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Please note that the interest rates offered are subject to change based on market conditions and borrower eligibility. The pricing and rate provided are accurate as of the specified date. It is important to be aware that the minimum loan amount for any loan program is $50,000. The specific amount and terms of the credit offer will be determined based on underwriting approval and guidelines, which include factors such as your credit history, your ability to make payments, and the available equity in your home.
To qualify for this offer, you must meet the required criteria and demonstrate creditworthiness. Additionally, providing up to two years of income verification may be necessary. The severity of your credit may also impact the required down payment. It is crucial to understand that the lender reserves the right to cancel this offer if the provided information cannot be verified.
Please note that all bankruptcies must be discharged in order to be eligible. This offer is nontransferable and is specifically available for single-family residences or owner-occupied condominiums. Please be aware that mobile homes and cooperatives are not included in this offer. It is important to note that the lender must hold a valid first lien position, and property hazard insurance is a requirement.
These are some key details to consider when evaluating this offer. It is essential to thoroughly review the terms and conditions and seek clarification from the lender regarding any specific questions or concerns you may have before proceeding with the application process.
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