Paying off credit card balances and consolidating debt are some of the most common ways homeowners use their home equity, but there are plenty of alternative ways to get equity out of your home.
The longer you make payments on your mortgage, the more your equity grows - giving you more power to use that value to your advantage.
Here are some other great ways you can benefit from building equity:
Cash-out refinance
Cash out refinancing lets you use equity by getting a new mortgage. Essentially, you replace your current mortgage loan with a higher amount, and receive the difference in cash. The cash is tax-free and can be used for anything you need.
Home equity line of credit (HELOC)
A home equity line of credit or HELOC is a second mortgage with a credit amount you can draw from when needed. HELOCs are similar to credit cards in that you only pay for what you actually use until the designated draw period ends.
Home equity loans
A home equity loan is another second mortgage option, complete with a separate monthly payment. These loans often have higher interest rates than your initial mortgage, but use your home's equity as collateral.
Home equity loans & HELOCs are not the same thing
While similarly named, home equity loans and HELOCs function differently. With an equity loan, you get a lump sum of money at the beginning and make payments back over the life of the loan. A HELOC, by contrast, lets you draw whatever amount you need during a fixed period.
The key difference is with a loan, you'll have a regular monthly payment with a locked-in interest rate. With a HELOC, your payments and interest rates can vary.
When to avoid a home equity loan
When is it better to use a HELOC versus a loan? The important difference is flexibility. A HELOC allows you to pay for variable expenses and emergencies, and can be a great benefit for long-term costs like ongoing remodeling or renovation projects.
Consider all details of your financial situation when deciding how to use your home equity. Based on your goals and limitations, you can find the best possible way to benefit from your investment.
About the Author
Carolyn Ross
Carolyn Ross spent her career in the advertising world as a commercial photographer. She is no stranger to meeting challenging deadlines and working with many people in a fast paced environment.
She has shot for various magazines such as Architectural Digest, Boston Globe Magazine, Wellesley Weston, South Shore life as well Boston Magazine to name a few. Her love of homes and visual spaces has evolved through the years and has lead her to expand her career. She currently serves on the board of a national organization: The American Society of Media Photographers for the New England chapter. She has been involved in the school art programs as well as teaching photography classes.
Carolyn's expert knowledge of staging and art direction is what differentiates her from other agents. She has also taken her keen business background and artistic talents to successfully renovate numerous investment properties in the Metrowest area over the last several years.
This is what inspires her and with determination and passion, she will bring these unique skills to your next real estate transaction.
