Common Uses of Home Equity Loans
If you need some extra cash, borrowing against the equity in your home can be an easy and affordable option. Here at Wright-Patt Credit Union, we know people tap into their home's value for all sorts of good reasons. Whether you're looking to tackle a big project, pay for an important expense, or consolidate debt, a home equity loan or home equity line of credit may be able to help!
One of the most popular uses for home equity loans is to fund home renovations or improvements. If you've been dreaming about that new kitchen, finished basement, or luxurious master bath, the funds from a home equity line of credit can make it happen! The best part is you can borrow up to 100% of your available equity, and you may be able to spread repayment over up to 10 years, keeping your payments manageable.
We also see lots of parents and families use home equity loans to pay for their children’s college tuition and other major education expenses. With college costs skyrocketing, home equity loans offer an affordable way to cover what financial aid and savings can't for their kids’ higher education. The lump sum from a fixed-rate home equity loan can give you the funds you need to avoid taking on higher interest student loans or racking up credit card debt to pay steep tuition bills.
High-interest debt consolidation is another common use for home equity loans. By rolling multiple credit card balances or other debts into a home equity loan at a lower interest rate, you can potentially save hundreds or even thousands in interest charges. We can set you up with easy monthly payments so you can pay off debt faster and improve your credit history.
No matter what you need the extra funds for, Wright-Patt Credit Union home equity loans and home equity lines of credit can help make it happen. With low rates, fees, and closing costs, you can put your home's hard-earned equity to work. Contact us today to learn more about securing a home equity loan or home equity line of credit!
Home Equity Fixed-Rate Loan vs. Home Equity Line of Credit
Both Home Equity Lines of Credit (HELOC) and a Home Equity Fixed-Rate Loans are supported by the equity in your home. What you plan to do with the funds from your home’s equity will determine the loan type that is right for you.
A Home Equity Line of Credit allows you to draw from the available funds, similar to a credit card. If you are planning on making multiple home improvement projects over a period of time, if you don’t know the final cost of a project yet, or if you would just like to have a financial safety net, a HELOC from a trusted credit union may be right for you.
A Home Equity Fixed-Rate Loan will provide you with the funds in one lump sum. If you are planning to consolidate high-interest credit card debt, pay interest and principal on student loans, or fund a project that you know the total amount of, a Home Equity Loan may be right for you.
When determining which loan is right for you, be sure to factor in additional expenses such as origination fees, appraisal fees, application fees, or credit card fees. Take advantage of Wright-Patt Credit Union’s low rates, minimal fees and extraordinary service by securing a Home Equity Loan today.
Evaluating Your Home’s Equity
To evaluate your home’s equity, you need to determine the Loan to Value ratio (LTV). For example, if your home is worth $200,000 and you still owe $80,000, your equity would be the difference of $120,000. To determine the LTV, you would take $120,000 divided by the value for an LTV of 0.60 or 60%.