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If you have a major financial need looming over you that you’re just not sure how you’ll afford, you may want to consider taking out a second mortgage. Keep in mind, there are some pros and cons that come along with doing that, so let’s look at the options and you can decide whether this is the right solution for you.
Reasons to Get a Second Mortgage
Are you wanting to take your dream vacation to Fiji? A dream vacation is a want, rather than a need. It would be better for you to save your money and take the vacation when you’re truly financially ready. A second mortgage isn’t a good option for those who just want to spend money. It’s a mortgage, so if you can’t repay for any reason, you could lose your house.
Paying for your child’s college tuition, adding an office onto your house, and paying down medical bills or credit card debt might be better reasons to take out a second mortgage. If you have a pressing need that just has to be financed one way or another, this might be a good solution for you.
Types of Second Mortgages
There are two types of second mortgages you’ll want to consider.
- Home Equity Loan. This is like a typical home loan, where you can choose to get a 15 or 30-year fixed-rate loan or an adjustable rate mortgage for shorter term.
- Home Equity Line of Credit (HELOC). This is a little bit different, in that you get a line of credit based on how much equity you have in your home. The interest rate is a variable, and the term of the loan doesn’t have a specific timeline. Like a credit card, you’re only using as much money as you need, but you’re borrowing against your house.
Keep in mind, the interest on a second mortgage is typically lower than that of a credit card, but higher than a first mortgage. Also, if you want to refinance your mortgage in the future, you will have to combine both your first and second mortgages into one loan. You’ll end up with a smaller interest rate, but your overall debt will be higher, making your monthly mortgage payments higher.
How Can I Get Approved?
Your lender will want to make sure you can pay off the second mortgage, so you’ll need to provide proof that you have enough income to repay the debt. Additionally, the better your credit is, the more likely you are to get approved.
Call us at Riverbank Finance, (800) 555-2098, to schedule an appointment with one of our professional loan officers to find out whether a second mortgage might be a good option for you. We can take a look at your financial needs and help you find the best solution.