Second mortgage loans have varying lengths with which they are eventually paid off. Some second mortgage loans may last for as long as 15 or 20 years. Other second mortgage loans only require one year for repayment.
When you're thinking of taking on a second mortgage loan, you will need to know what term best suits you. Discuss the repayment terms of the second mortgage loan with your bank or lending company. For instance, you get a second mortgage loan worth $20,000 to make some home repairs. With this amount, you might want to take on a second mortgage loan that will allow you to repay the entire amount in one or two years. If you pay a second mortgage loan that has a shorter term, the monthly payments may be too high.
Payment Calculations for Second Mortgage Loans
Before taking on second mortgage loan, be sure that you understand a couple of things first. Know how much your monthly payments will be for that second mortgage loan. Moreover, it is also helpful if you also have an idea as to where those second mortgage loan payments will cover.
Some second mortgage loans require you to make monthly payments on both interest and principal. Other second mortgage loans only require you to pay the interest of the borrowed amount.
The former type of second mortgage loans will allow you to significantly shorten your payoff period since with each payment you make, you are also chipping away at the principal. With the interest-only second mortgage loan however you will be required to pay back the entire amount that you borrowed as soon as the term ends. This type of second mortgage loan is also called balloon payment loans.
Second Mortgage Loan Costs
Fees may be charged by some lending companies for the money you borrow on second mortgage loans. The fees, referred to as ?points,? are usually a percentage of the second mortgage loan. One point on your second mortgage loan is equivalent to one percent of the amount you borrow.
So, if you were to get a second mortgage loan of $10,000 with an eight-point fee, then you would have to pay $800 in ?points.? Second mortgage loan companies may charge you in varying number of points so if it might be helpful if you do a comparison first.
Second Mortgage Loan Rates
Second mortgage loans have different payments plans. Most second mortgage loans have a fixed rate payment included in their payment plans. If you have a fixed rate second mortgage loan, the interest rate will be set for the whole loan term. This means that your monthly payments for your second mortgage loan will not be affected by any outside changes.
Some companies also offer second mortgage loans with variable rate payments. These variable rate second mortgage loans periodically experience rate adjustments. A variable rate second mortgage loan might be cheaper than a fixed rate payment in the long run. But this is only provided if the interest rates of second mortgage loans go down. If interest rates rise, then your monthly payments for your second mortgage loan will rise as well.
Second Mortgage Loan Rates
If you're a homeowner in need of some additional cash, there are several options available. You can consider cash-out refinancing, which allows you to borrow funds over the amount of your existing mortgage – money that can be used for any purpose. A home equity line of credit or HELOC is another possibility. One of the most popular options is the home equity loan, often referred to as a 2nd mortgage.
In general, these types of loans feature a low fixed rate, and are paid to the borrower in a single lump sum, which is convenient for large-scale expenses such as home improvements or purchasing a new vehicle.
The application process for a second mortgage loan is relatively painless, as lenders work with a simple formula to compute how much you can borrow, and the loan's rate and terms. Typically, your lender will perform a quick appraisal of the property and check your current credit standing and income status. Paperwork is not overwhelming, but you are applying for a new home loan, so be prepared for some required documentation.
Depending on the amount of equity you have invested in your home, you'll be offered a loan based on a percentage of the home's total value. Lenders have a fair amount of discretion when deciding how much they are willing to lend, so be sure to take advantage of online comparison services that provide multiple loan offers without obligating you to sign up.
What kind of payments can I expect?
When comparing a second mortgage loan to a HELOC, for example, bear in mind that payments on the 2nd will most likely be fixed for the duration of the loan, while the HELOC's rate varies, like the APR on a credit card account. Sit down and calculate what type of payments you can afford, taking into consideration your first mortgage, your car and personal loan payments, and your household expenses. Taking on the responsibility of a second mortgage shouldn't fly in the face of common sense or throw your budget into a tailspin.
Consolidating debt with a 2nd Mortgage
One of the most common uses for a home equity loan is to pay off higher interest balances such as credit card and student loan debt. By consolidating this debt into a single manageable payment, you could enjoy better monthly cash-flow and a sense of control over your finances. But bear in mind that debt consolidation only works if you make a break with old spending habits and don't run up your credit card accounts again. Otherwise, you could be left with two sets of mortgage payments and credit card payments each month!
Whether you decide on a second mortgage loan or a HELOC, it pays to watch interest rates before signing on the dotted line. You may prefer the stability of a home equity loan over fluctuating HELOC payments, but remember – with either loan – you are using your home investment to borrow. If you don't proceed with caution and keep spending habits in check, you risk getting further into debt and even the possibility of losing your home.
Both Lorna Mclaren & Home Loan Center Editorial Staff are contributors for EditorialToday. The above articles have been edited for relevancy and timeliness. All write-ups, reviews, tips and guides published by EditorialToday.com and its partners or affiliates are for informational purposes only. They should not be used for any legal or any other type of advice. We do not endorse any author, contributor, writer or article posted by our team.
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