Now that you have been in your home for a few years and you have established some equity, you may be considering doing some home improvement with a second mortgage.
Home improvement comes in many forms. Such as a new kitchen, bathroom, roof, siding, etc.
You can acquire a home improvement loan or second mortgage through one of three ways. Refinancing with cash out, a home equity loan, or a home equity line of credit.
My suggestion to you would be, a home equity line of credit. (HECL)
The HECL is a very convenient loan for a home owner because it is not mandatory that you use the funds right away. And when you do decide to use the money, you only use the amount you need.
Lets suppose you have a home equity line of credit for $25,000.00. The lender will give this money to you as a line for you to use, only when you choose to do so. The line also comes with a check book so you can write checks at your convenience.
A refinance with cash out, or a standard home equity loan is given to you in the form of a lump sum, and you begin paying the interest and principal immediately.
On the HECL you only pay interest and principal when you use...