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What Is a Home Equity Loan | PrimeWay Federal Credit Union

Written by Laurie Masera Garza | May 18, 2022 3:01:54 PM

Home Equity Loans can be a great way to get cash out of your home for things like home improvements, paying off debt or even taking a vacation. As a homeowner, it's crucial to understand how Home Equity Loans work and their benefits. This article will discuss everything you need to know about Home Equity Loans, including how to get one in Texas and what kinds of things you can use with the money. We'll also provide tips for homeowners looking to take out a Home Equity Loan. If you're a new homeowner or you've been living in your house for a while, read on for information about Home Equity Loans!

What Is a Home Equity Loan?

A Home Equity Loan is when you borrow money using the equity in your home as collateral. Equity is the portion of your home's value that you own outright, and it can increase over time as you pay down your mortgage or improve your property.

Homeowners with a lot of equity in their homes can sometimes qualify for a Home Equity Loan with a low-interest rate. For example, if you own a home worth $200,000 and have $100,000 left to pay on your mortgage, you have $100,000 in equity. So, if you need to borrow $50,000, you could potentially qualify for a Home Equity Loan with an interest rate of around four percent.

What Are The Types of Home Equity Loans?

There are two main types of Home Equity Loans: a lump sum loan and a Home Equity Line of Credit (HELOC). With a lump-sum loan, you borrow a set amount of money all at once and make fixed monthly payments over a set period, usually 5 to 15 years.

A HELOC works like a credit card: you're approved for a certain amount of money, and you can take out portions of cash as you need it. HELOCs usually have variable interest rates, which means your monthly payments could go up or down depending on the market.

If you're not sure which type of Home Equity Loan is right for you, talk to a loan officer at your bank or credit union. They can help you compare interest rates, terms and other factors to find the best loan for your needs.

How Does Home Equity Loan Work in Texas?

In Texas, you can only borrow up to 80% of the equity in your home. So, if your home is worth $200,000 and you still owe $100,000 on your mortgage, you can only borrow up to $80,000 with a Home Equity Loan.

The interest rates on Home Equity Loans in Texas are fixed, more competitive, and usually lower than other loans. Even better, the loan is more cost-effective compared to credit cards and other personal loans that come at higher interest rates when making large purchases.

How Do I Qualify for a Home Equity Loan?

You must meet several requirements to qualify for a Home Equity Loan in Texas. They include:

  • You must be a homeowner
  • You must have proof of ability to repay the loan
  • Your home must have enough equity to qualify
  • You must have a good credit score
  • Your home must be your primary residence
  • The loan amount cannot exceed 80% of the value of your home

If you meet these requirements, you may be able to qualify for a Home Equity Loan. However, it's always good to talk to a loan officer at your bank or credit union to see if you are eligible.