Reasons for a Home Equity Loan

Furthermore, the payments may be given priority status when funds are divvied up each month, because keeping a home is such a strong incentive. This is good news for the borrower, because when banks and credit unions feel safe, they are more generous. Here are five reasons why you might consider a home equity loan:

1. You want a low interest rate

Fortunately, the benefits of a home equity loan don’t reside solely on the side of the lender. Banks and other financial institutions giving out loans prefer to do so in a way that guarantees them the surest return, so they offer lower interest rates for HELs compared to many other loan types. This low interest rate can be beneficial to you if you have high-interest debt on your credit card. According to Erik Carter, contributor to Forbes, “refinancing high-interest credit card debt with a home equity loan or line of credit can make sense, since your interest rate could be much lower and tax deductible.”

2. Your credit score is low

It can be easier for people with low credit scores, something especially common on account of the economic troubles of the recent recession, to qualify for a HEL compared to other types of loans. Borrowers who find themselves unable to borrow the money they want at a favorable interest rate should look into a home equity loan.

3. You want to borrow a large sum

Even people with good credit may need to borrow against the value of their home in order to receive a large sum of money. If you are in a situation where you want to borrow a lot, a HEL could be a great option for you.

4. You need a lump sum

The main difference between a home equity credit line and a loan is that a loan is distributed in a lump sum with set monthly payments, while a credit line allows you to draw funds from a set limit depending on varying monthly needs, like a credit card. If you need your money all at once, like for the down payment on a second home, a loan can be a better choice than a credit line or a credit card.

5. You can get a tax deduction

Another potential benefit of a home equity loan: the interest you pay can be tax deductible. Your tax advisor can help you determine if this is a possibility.