08 Oct 2024
By noelkelman

Consolidate Credit Card Debt with a Cash-Out Refinance

Credit Scoring, ,
If you’re feeling overwhelmed by credit card debt, a cash-out refinance may be an effective way to manage it. This type of mortgage allows you to utilize your home’s equity to pay off high-interest credit cards, consolidating them into a single, lower-interest mortgage payment. How a Cash-Out Refinance Works A cash-out refinance lets you replace your current mortgage with a new one for more than what you owe. The difference is then given to you as cash, which you can use to pay off your high-interest debt. Here's how the process works: Apply for a Cash-Out Refinance: You start by…
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01 Oct 2024
By noelkelman

How Much Equity Can You Borrow Today?

Home Mortgage, ,
Your home equity represents one of your most valuable assets. When it comes to borrowing against that equity, many homeowners question how much can they borrow. Understanding the amount of equity you can tap into today is essential, especially if you're considering a home equity loan or line of credit (HELOC) for major expenses like home improvements, debt consolidation, or other financial needs. What is Home Equity? Home equity is the difference between your home's current market value and the outstanding balance on your mortgage. As you pay down your mortgage and your property’s value increases, your equity grows. The…
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31 Jul 2024
By noelkelman

How to Unlock Your Home’s Equity with a Cash-Out Refinance

Mortgage Rates, ,
As a homeowner, you might be sitting on a valuable asset without even realizing it—your home equity. Tapping into this equity through a cash-out refinance can open up financial opportunities you hadn't considered. Here’s how you can unlock your home’s equity with a cash-out refinance and what you need to know before diving in. Understanding Cash-Out Refinance First and foremost, a cash-out refinance involves replacing your existing mortgage with a new one, but with a larger loan amount. The difference between your old loan and the new loan is given to you in cash. This can be a strategic way…
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18 Jun 2024
By noelkelman

Exploring 5 Types of Refinance Loans

Mortgage, ,
Refinancing your mortgage can be a smart financial move, offering potential savings, access to cash, or improved loan terms. With various refinancing options available, it's essential to understand what each type entails to make an informed decision. Let's look into five popular types of refinance loans: Rate and Term Refinance, Cash-Out Refinance, Cash-In Refinance, Home Affordable Refinance Program (HARP), and Short Refinance. 1. Rate and Term Refinance What is it? A Rate and Term Refinance allows you to change the interest rate, loan term, or both without altering the loan amount. Benefits: Lower Interest Rates: Securing a lower interest rate…
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30 Apr 2024
By noelkelman

Choosing Between a Home Equity Loan and HELOC

Mortgage Tips, ,
As a homeowner, tapping into your home equity can be a strategic financial move. Whether you’re renovating your house, consolidating debt, or covering major expenses, two popular options stand out: home equity loans and home equity lines of credit (HELOCs). Understanding the differences between these two can help you make an informed decision that best suits your needs and financial goals. Home Equity Loan: The Lump-Sum Option A home equity loan sometimes referred to as a second mortgage, provides you with a lump sum of money upfront, which you repay over a fixed term with a fixed interest rate. Here’s…
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25 May 2023
By noelkelman

What is the Difference Between a Reverse Mortgage and a Home Equity Conversion Mortgage?

Mortgage, ,
A reverse mortgage and a home equity conversion mortgage (HECM) are both types of loan products that allow homeowners to tap into the equity they have built up in their homes. However, there are some important differences between the two. A reverse mortgage is a type of loan available to homeowners who are 62 years of age or older. With a reverse mortgage, the lender makes payments to the borrower, which can be taken as a lump sum, line of credit, or regular payments. The loan is paid back when the borrower dies, sells the home, or permanently moves out…
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07 Apr 2023
By noelkelman

A Home Equity Loan Versus A HELOC

Mortgage, ,
If you are looking for a quick source of cash, you may have been told that you can tap into the equity in your home. If you have at least 20 percent equity in your home, you can borrow against that equity at a relatively low interest rate for a quick source of funding. You might be deciding whether to apply for a home equity loan or a home equity line of credit, which is usually shortened to HELOC.  Home Equity Loan A home equity loan is a loan that you will receive based on the equity you have in…
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03 Jun 2022
By noelkelman

Should You Use A Home Equity Loan To Buy A Vacation Home?

Mortgage, ,
If you are looking for a way to diversify your investments while also making it easier to go on vacation, you may have thought about purchasing a vacation home. Saving up enough money for one house was already hard enough, so how are you going to save up money for a second house? If you have owned your primary residence for a while, you might be able to take out a home equity loan. Then, you could use this to purchase a vacation house. How Does A Home Equity Loan Work? A home equity loan allows you to borrow against…
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