Loan Analyzis: Home Equity Loans Versus Revolving Home Lines of Credit
Homeowners looking to tap into the equity in their homes are faced with choosing between a home equity loan and a home equity line of credit (HELOC). This can be a difficult decision, as each type of second mortgage loan has distinct benefits, and both are tax-deductible, but if you understand the basic differences in their structure, you can make an intelligent decision for you, your family and your financial future.
According to Bankrate, a revolving line of credit is an agreement to lend a specific amount to a borrower and to allow that amount to be borrowed again once it has been repaid. With a HELOC, you can borrow money against your equity up to a certain pre-determined amount. There is no set repayment schedule and in many cases, you are only responsible for paying the interest on what you borrow for the first several years. A HELOC has an adjustable interest rate, which is typically tied to the prime rate. Home equity lines of credit are best suited for homeowners who want the flexibility to borrow various amounts of money at staggered intervals. Because they are structured much...