The equity you have built in your home can be used in a number of ways. Whether you are planning to pay off your high-interest debt or looking to do substantial upgrades to your home, it is natural to look to your biggest asset as a way to fund some of the bigger financial obligations in your life. If you are considering using some of your equity, there is more than one way to approach it. You can choose to take out a home equity line of credit (HELOC), a second mortgage, or you can refinance your existing mortgage.
The equity in your home is built as the value of your home increases and by paying down your mortgage. To calculate the equity you have in your home, you’ll have to find the difference between the value of your home and how much you still owe on your mortgage balance.
For example, if your home is currently worth 350,000 and your remaining mortgage balance is 175,000, then you’ll have 175,000 in home equity.
Learn more about home equity loans.
As previously mentioned, you can borrow against your home equity in a number of ways. Some of the most common ways to do so are by taking out a HELOC, getting a second mortgage or by refinancing.
Watch mortgage broker Dave Johnson explain the different ways to access home equity.
| Interest Rate | LTV Ratio/Equity Required | Funding Style | |
| HELOC | Variable | 65% to 80% LTV | Revolving credit limit, use as required |
| Refinance | Fixed or variable | – 80% LTV – Min 20% equity | Lump sum |
| Second Mortgage | Fixed or variable (rate is usually higher than your original mortgage) | – 90% LTV – Min 10% – 20% equity | Lump sum |
A HELOC is a line of credit that is secured against your home. Like a credit card, it allows you to withdraw money whenever you need up to a certain credit limit. During the draw period (usually 10 years) you’ll be able to reuse those funds as you pay it back. Moreover, during the draw period, you won’t have to pay any of the principal, just the interest. After the draw period ends, you’ll have to make regular payments on the interest and principal.
With a HELOC you’ll be able to borrow up to 65% to 80% of your home’s appraised value. Meaning you only need 20% equity in your home to get a HELOC. In addition, to qualify for a HELOC you also may need to have a minimum credit score of at least 650, although B lenders might offer more competitive solutions.
The best case in which to use a HELOC would be if you’re not sure how much your costs are going to run you. If you are conducting a renovation, costs could end up being more than you originally plan. A HELOC is a great way to make sure that you have enough money available to you without having to take out more than you actually need.
Refinancing involves taking out a new mortgage to replace your existing one. By refinancing, you can qualify for a new rate, shorten or extend your term and apply for a mortgage that is larger or smaller than your original mortgage amount. Here are some of the common ways homeowners refinance their mortgage:
Like a HELOC you only need 20% equity in your home though you can gain access to up to 80% of the value of your home. You also need to have the same credit score of at least 650 in order to qualify with an A-lender. The biggest difference between a HELOC and refinancing is in the way that interest is calculated. On a HELOC, you are only charged interest on what you pull out while a refinance charges you interest on the entire loan. You are also not necessarily going to go through your existing mortgage lender, you can also go to big banks and prime lenders to refinance your mortgage.
There are a number of reasons why you may want to refinance your mortgage. Some of the best reason to refinance is if:
However, do keep in mind, there are numerous fees and penalties involved with refinancing. It’s important to do a cost savings analysis to see if refinancing is really worth the cost.
Learn more about the different ways to access equity in your home.
A second mortgage is a loan that is secured against the equity in your home. Through it, you can borrow up to 90% of your home’s value. Meaning if you have less than 20% equity in your home, you can still get a second mortgage. Unlike refinancing, you’re not replacing your mortgage with a new one, rather you’re taking on a new loan that you pay along with your existing mortgage.
In order to qualify for a second mortgage, you’ll have to have a minimum of 10% equity in your home plus a credit score of 550-700. However, it’s important to remember that a second mortgage involves certain fees such as appraisal fees, legal fees, lender’s self-insured fees, and mortgage fees. You also have interest that accrues on the full loan. It may not seem as attractive as the other options, but it can get you the money if you need it.
A second mortgage could be beneficial to those who currently have high-interest debt and who struggle with poor credit. A second mortgage can help you consolidate your payments into one, making it more manageable and affordable. Moreover, those with bad credit can usually still qualify as the loan is secured by your home.
Whether you refinance, get a second mortgage or take out a HELOC, there are certain administrative fees you’ll have to pay including:
In addition, depending on the borrowing option you choose you may need to pay additional fees. For example, if you decide to refinance you may incur a discharge fee, a prepayment fee, closing costs, and more. Before opting for any option, be sure to evaluate all the costs involved.
These were three examples that you can use to access some of the equity that is in your home. In order to know which is best for you, you have to carefully consider your situation, why you are in need of the loan, and where your current credit score sits. While one might make sense for a person with pristine credit and an exact amount of what they need to withdraw, another might make sense for someone who isn’t sure how much money they need yet, and could suffer from stiff lender rates. Consider all of these facts before settling on your loan method.
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Priyanka Correia is a Marketing Coordinator and personal finance expert at Loans Canada. Priyanka completed her Bachelor's degree in Marketing at Concordia University and has published work that has been mentioned in various news media. She is passionate about money management and educating Canadian consumers about how to take control of their financial lives.
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