Appraisal News & Commentary
Appraisal News & Commentary
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by Chris Channing

A loan in which the borrower uses the equity in their home as collateral is known as a home equity loan. Home equity loans can help finance major home repairs, college education, or medical bills. Through a home equity loan a lien is created against the borrower's house, and actual home equity is reduced. A lien is a type of security interest over an item of property to secure a payment.

Home equity loans can be first, second, or third position liens. They are generally second position liens. Good to excellent credit history is commonly required when trying to get a home equity loan. Reasonable loan-to-value and combined loan-to-value ratios are also something you may need to get a home equity loan.

The two forms of home equity loans are closed end and open end. Both of these types of home equity loans are most commonly second mortgages. Like a traditional mortgage, closed end and open end loans are secured against the value of property. In most cases home equity loans will have shorter terms compared to a first mortgage but in some cases they will have a longer term.

Closed End Loan

The act of a borrower receiving a lump sum at the time of the closing and being unable to borrow more is known as a closed end home equity loan. Appraised value of collateral, credit history, and income can have an effect on the maximum amount of money that you can be borrow. It is quite normal that you may be able to borrow up to 100% of the appraised value of the home. It is also possible that some lenders that will allow you to borrow over 100% with an over-equity loan. There may be a limit on how much you can borrow in some states though.

Open End Loan

A borrower chooses when and how often they borrow against the equity in the property through an open end home equity loan. Also the lender sets an initial limit to the credit line bases on factors such as income and credit history. Another name for an open end home equity loan is a home equity line of credit. It is possible that you can borrow up to 100% of the value of the home, much like with a closed end loan. Your monthly payment can be as low as the interest. The interest rate is normally based on a prime rate plus a margin.

Appraisal fees are one of the many fees that can be associated with a home equity loan. The others include such things as: titles fees, stamp duties, closing fees, arrangement fees, originator fees, early pay-off, and other costs that may be included with a loan. Surveyor and conveyor or valuation fees are another type. It is possible that that the surveyor fee may be waived. The main way to reduce the cost of a surveyor fee is by getting your own licensed surveyor to inspect the property.

In conclusion a home equity loan can be used for things such as a repair on your house. It is possible to get up to 100% or over of the value of the home. There are closed end and open end home equity loans. Your credit history and your income are major factors in determining how much you can borrow. There are also a number of fees that may be associated with your home equity loan.

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