Home Equity ABCs.

Home equity is the difference between the market value of a homeowner's property and the amount still owed on any mortgage or loan that is secured by the property. In other words, it's the portion of the property that a homeowner truly owns outright.

For example, if a homeowner has a property that is worth $300,000 and has a mortgage balance of $200,000, the homeowner has $100,000 in home equity.

Home equity can increase over time as the property increases in value and as the mortgage balance is paid down. Homeowners can tap into their home equity by taking out a loan, such as a home equity loan or a home equity line of credit (HELOC), which allows them to borrow against the value of their property.

It's important to remember that using your home equity to take out a loan increases your overall debt and puts your property at risk if you're unable to make your payments. Before taking out a home equity loan or HELOC, it's important to consider your financial situation, your ability to repay the loan, and the terms and conditions of the loan

HOME EQUITY LOAN

A home equity loan is a type of loan in which the borrower uses the equity in their home as collateral. Equity is the difference between the value of your home and the amount you owe on your mortgage. With a home equity loan, you can borrow money against the equity in your home and use the funds for a variety of purposes, such as home improvements, debt consolidation, or large purchases.

Here are some key features of a home equity loan:

Loan amount: The amount you can borrow with a home equity loan is determined by the amount of equity you have in your home. Generally, you can borrow up to 85% of the value of your home, minus the balance of your existing mortgage.
Repayment terms: Home equity loans typically have a fixed interest rate and a set repayment term, usually 5 to 15 years.
Interest rate: The interest rate on a home equity loan is usually lower than the interest rate on a credit card or personal loan, because the loan is secured by your home.
Closing costs: There may be closing costs associated with a home equity loan, such as origination fees, appraisal fees, and title search fees.

It's important to carefully consider the terms of a home equity loan before you take one out. Make sure you understand the repayment terms, interest rate, and any potential fees, and make sure you can afford the monthly payments. Also, keep in mind that if you're unable to make your payments, you risk losing your home