Deciding on a 125% Home Equity Loan
June 9, 2009 – 8:45 pmWhen some people hear for the first time about 125% home equity loans, they ask themselves why would someone need that? However, even if you take out a mortgage to buy a home and for this purpose only need 100% or less, it is sometimes advisable to apply for a higher loan.

There are many reasons why someone would want a 125% home equity loan. Moving into a new home doesn’t mean that we only have to buy the home. Many people also want to buy new furniture or need to renovate their new home.
Other borrowers need to consolidate other forms of debt and for paying one single bill at the end of the month. It is important to consolidate your bills into one big bill because it is not only easier to pay, but it is normally also cheaper. It is easier to pay just one bill and it is easier to negotiate with just one lender if there is a need to renegotiate the loan.
The interest rate applied on 125% home equity loan is lower than the rate of credit cards or other forms of consumer credit. This is due to the fact that the loan is partially secured by the underlying real estate property. Since the loan isn’t completely covered by the asset (that means, your home), its interest rate is higher than of a first mortgage that only covers perhaps 80% or 90%.
It must be noted that a 125% home equity loan doesn’t mean that you have to take a mortgage in the value of 125% of your home. It only means that it can reach 125%. For example, if your home is appraised at a value of $100,000 and you get a first mortgage of 80% on your home, that means that you still can get a 125% home equity loan on your property. That makes 45%, or $45,000.
If you are applying for a first mortgage, you’ll be able and willing to get the best market rate for the first chunk of 80% and a relatively worse interested rate for the following 45%.
Do the math and do not borrow more than you need. Substitute high interest debt for long term interest debt. Watch out for any possible narrow paths on your finance to avoid defaulting on your lenders. That will only make your credit score go down at the same time that the interest rate goes up.

