Deciding on a 125% Home Equity Loan

June 9, 2009 – 8:45 pm

When 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.

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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.

125% Home Equity Loan Tips

June 9, 2009 – 5:42 am

A 125% home equity loan is simply a loan that exceeds the worth of a real estate property backing it. In the case of every mortgage, borrowers can only borrow a certain percentage of the market value of the underlying property. The limit is normally between 80% and 90% of the home value. In some cases, lenders allow a higher limit and homeowners can borrow up to 125%. Homeowners borrow more than the value of their property to settle other, more expensive, debt or to renovate their home.

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125% home equity loans are coveted by many homeowners. Unhappily, most who apply do not quality for it or will not be able to pay regularly their mortgage. The credit rating is essential for obtaining this kind of debt, like any other kind of debt. The homeowner’s income is also normally considered by lenders.

Getting approved on a 125% home equity loan is much more difficult than for a 80% or 90% loan. Getting a 125% home equity loan is a risk for the lender, since the loan is not securitized by an underlying asset. It is also a risk for the borrower, since if he cannot pay; his credit rating will be damaged. Only apply for it if you really need to settle other forms of debt with a higher interest rate or with a variable interest rate.

Take the time and get advice of a professional credit service if you decided that you need a 125% home equity loan. It might even increase your chance of getting approved. The right professional will help you get the best deal. When a homeowner is treading in an unfamiliar territory, professional help is needed. There is a huge number of loan consultants available to select from. Doing a little research into your options now will make the path much simpler.

When does this kind of loan make sense for you? It might be an option if you’re in a difficult financial situation. The alternative could be to lose your home, which is not a very attractive alternative. A word of caution is needed, if you decide to apply for the 125% loan, be sure that you have a disciplined payback plan. Paying for it can be even tougher that paying for your mortgage. If you don’t pay some installment, you can fall victim to the downside in your credit score that comes with any 125 percent home equity loan borrower who cannot afford to pay regularly.

125% Home Equity Loan: Second Mortgage

June 9, 2009 – 5:21 am

The 125% home equity loan is a second mortgage. It allows the borrower to borrow more than the value of his home.  As the name suggests, it allows to borrow 25% more than the value of the home. If your home has been appraised at $200,000 and it has a first mortgage of $190,000, the owner can still borrow $60,000. That makes a total mortgage of 125% over the value of the real estate property: $250,000.

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The 125% home equity second mortgage is done to consolidate other bills like credit cards or consumer debt with a higher interest rate. The loan allows the borrower to pay off all of his debt. Sometimes it is used to have some extra cash.

Many lenders offer 125% home equity loans. It is specifically offered to homeowners that need a loan but that have not built up equity in their home. Each lender will have their own criteria and guidelines to approve their potential borrowers; however, the most important factor is your credit score. The credit score determines how much you will be able to borrow. Almost all lenders require that you already live in the property that will be financed. Six months is often the minimum period of time to apply to a 125% home equity loan.

Regarding the property appraisal, almost all 125% loan lenders do not ask for one. They just use the purchase price, if it is recent, meaning less than one year. Otherwise a tax assessment is used. In certain cases, lenders use an algorithm to calculate the value of your home. Often this process does not reflect the real market value of your home. However, borrowers seeking for a 125% home equity second mortgage will not have many options.

It is important to get a fixed interest or at least a secure interest rate. This is a relevant factor in whether or not you will get lower monthly payments. Paying off a loan with fixed interest rate can save you tons of money.

If you have had a foreclosure or have a poor credit score, it may be difficult getting a fixed interest rate. However, you can get a 125% home equity loan with an adjustable rate loan. Search for a lender who is willing to help you. It may be time consuming, but it could be worth your time.

Discuss your plans with your financial advisor. Like any other form of debt, a 125% home equity loan has advantages and disadvantages. Make sure you really need it.