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What
is the difference between a traditional second mortgage and a home
equity line of credit?
Both traditional seconds as well as home equity lines of credit
are technically considered second mortgages. With a long-established
second mortgage, the rate is typically fixed and all funds are paid
out at closing. The term of the mortgage could be anywhere from
15 to 30 years. With a Home Equity line of credit, as the name implies,
the funds are drawn from a credit line account as needed and not
paid out in a lump sum at closing. The rate on the credit line is
naturally an adjustable (usually tied to the prime rate index) and
the term can be somewhere from 15 to 30 years. Home equity lines
have a draw period, typically occurring in the first 10-15 years,
with the lasting term on the loan referrded to as the repayment
period.
Is it better to refinance my first mortgage
to take cash out rather than getting a second mortgage on my property?
First determine how competitive your existing first mortgage rate
is relative to where current interest rates are. Also, evaluate
how many years you have paid into your existing first mortgage.
For example, if you have been making payments for only several years
and today's market rates are close to where the rate on your existing
first mortgage is, then you may want to consider refinancing your
first. Conversely, if the rate on your accessible first mortgage
is significantly lower than that of current market rates and if
you have been making payments on your mortgage for a period of five
years or more, then a second mortgage may be a more reasonable financial
solution than starting over with a new first loan. Consultant with
your financial advisor for an optimal decision. |
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