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Refinance or equity line of credit?

Updated: 9/11/2023
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16y ago

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Refinance with a set rate is best. A home equity line of credit is very similar to a credit card. I don't know the specifics as to how interest is charged or at what rate, but when you get approved for a certain amount of credit (let's say $10,000) It's very easy to use that money on things you may not need. For example, if you plan to spend $7,000 on improvements and get the refinance loan, then that is all you will spend. If you get the line of credit you might decide after the improvements are done that you want to buy a $2,000 pool table, and you know you have that credit available so you use it. Now you will be paying for that pool table for 15-30 years, depending on the length of your loan. Things like that are much better handled with a short term loan.

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Q: Refinance or equity line of credit?
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What is the difference between refinance and line of credit?

There are a few differences between refinancing and a home equity line of credit. One difference is that the interest rate on a refinanced mortgage is generally lower than the interest on a home equity line of credit.


Where is FHA Streamline refinance located?

FHA Streamline refinance is a business that operates online. You can apply for a refinance or simply for a line of credit based on the equity in your current home.


Is it possible to get a home equity loan while paying chapter 13?

No you can not get a home equity line of credit but you can refinance and pay off the chapter 13 with the new mortgage.


Is it possible to refinance an existing home equity loan into a home equity line of credit?

YES, ALL YOU NEED TO DO IS GET IN TOUCH WITH YOUR BANK AND TELL THEM THAT YOU NEED AN EQUITY LOAN EVEN THOUGH YOU ALREADY HAVE AN HOME EQUITY LINE OF CREDIT AND THEY WILL WORK WITH YOU BECAUSE ITS UNDER THE 4TH RULE IN BANKING, THEY HAVE TO AND DONT LET THEM TELL YOU DIFFERENTLY!


If you have a second note can you still get an equity line?

Typically not (unless the bank is VERY sloppy on their paperwork). What you can typically do is refinance the second into the home equity line. For example, you qualify for a $50K home equity line of credit (HELOC) but already have a $25K balance on your second mortgage. The bank would refinance the existing second with the HELOC. You would then have $25K remaning available to draw on the line.


Using a Home Equity Line of Credit Calculator?

Considering a refinance loan? If so, then you are probably wondering whether it is better to borrow a cash out refinance loan or to open a home equity line of credit. There are many new and exciting changes in the lending industry that are benefiting homeowners everywhere. In order to determine which option is better, you can use an online home equity line of credit calculator. You will input information including the balance of your current mortgage, how long you plan to stay in your home, the amount of cash you want to get at the time of closing and information about a potential cash out refinance loan. When you complete this form, you will be presented with information about how well a home equity line of credit will perform for you. For some borrowers, there is a significant advantage to refinancing. For others, opening a home equity line of credit is the best option. Using a home equity line of credit calculator is a smart choice for borrowers who want to make decisions on an informed basis. If you are in a position where you have an excellent fixed rate on your mortgage and you simply need to pull out some of your home's equity as cash, then a line of credit is a great option. If you have a high interest rate, an adjustable rate with a high cap or a payment that you can't easily afford, refinancing could be the best option. Both of these solutions have tax advantages. Home equity lines of credit are generally paid off sooner and cost less than cash out refinance loans. For most borrowers, the home equity line of credit calculator will show that the line of credit is a less expensive and more effective solution to their immediate need of cash. Because the borrower determines how much of their equity to take out, they are in control of their payment and the time it will take to repay the line of credit.


What happens when paying off an equity line of credit?

Nothing happens when you pay of an equity line of credit. The equity that you used for your line of credit is now safe.


Can you refinance your house after getting a home equity line of credit?

Technically, yes, but the home equity line of credit is a lien against your home and will have to be paid off when you refinance the house. In reality, many people find that the unpaid balance on the HELOC, plus the unpaid balance on the original mortgage, exceeds the amount the bank will lend on the refinance. Before you apply for the refinance, just talk with your lender. They can probably walk you through the numbers on the phone and determine pretty quickly whether or not you have enough equity to refinance. If you bought your home several years ago, you may have to have an appraisal done to find out the maximum amount the bank will lend.


What is equity line of credit?

An equity line of credit is issued based on the amount of equity you have in your home. If you have a $100,000 house and owe $75,000 then you would have $25,000 in equity.


Is a home equity loan considered a refinance?

No. It is home equity line of credit that is secured by your home. You use it to buy things and if you buy too much and can't make the payments the bank can foreclose and take your home.


Why would someone need an equity line of credit?

Equity line of credit is typically used in reference to a home loan. The amount of money paid into your home is your equity. With a home equity line of credit, it acts like a credit card. One may need it if they can not qualify for a credit card, or a higher credit limit on their cards.


Where can someone open an Equity Line of Credit?

There are many places one might consider going to to open an "Equity Line of Credit." The most reputable source for an "Equity Line of Credit" would be to go through your local bank or credit union.