Warmer temperatures have arrived, along with the desire to enjoy the outdoors. While a drive to the beach or lake might be on your summer travel list, you don't have to go that far to relax in the sun this season. Backyard renovation projects could shine a light on your living space in ways you didn't think were possible. A redesign might also increase the value of your home.
This is a question we receive quite often at ENB. However, before we talk about how a home equity loan and home equity line of credit are different, it’s important to note how they are the same.
If you’re looking to borrow money, you’re undoubtedly aware that there are many loan options to choose from on the market today. When shopping for a loan, you will notice that loans typically fall into two categories, secured and unsecured. Your borrowing need and financial circumstances will ultimately determine which type is the best fit for you, but it’s also important to understand the basic characteristics of the each loan.
If you need extra funds and have equity in your home, securing a home equity line of credit (HELOC) can put cash into your account without selling your home. Living in a neighborhood with rising home values might even increase the amount you can borrow. Like other loans, a HELOC has advantages and disadvantages that must be weighed against your overall financial goals.
When your home remodeling project requires more skill than you possess, turning to a qualified contractor to complete the job might be a good idea. A contractor can take care of ordering materials, offers a satisfaction guarantee, and helps remove the stress associated with a home renovation project. Leave the work to the professionals and enjoy the results.
Borrowing money to increase your spending power can be a smart financial move. Under the right circumstances, using a home equity line of credit (HELOC) can open the door to fantastic returns. When you're strategic about leveraging the equity in your home, it's possible to reach financial goals sooner and save money while doing it. While a HELOC can be used to pay for almost any expense, five specific uses garner the most attention. Read on to discover why.
College decision letters are on their way to a home near you. Maybe someone in your household is expecting one soon. What you might not be expecting is the lean financial aid award package that accompanies many college acceptance notifications.
Financial experts recommend households maintain an emergency savings account equal to six months of living expenses. A hefty savings balance ensures there's enough money to pay bills and buy groceries in the event of an unexpected job loss, health diagnosis, or significant expense that would otherwise derail your budget. Many Americans fall short of this savings ideal. A recent Economic Well-Being study found that four out of ten U.S. households would have trouble covering an emergency expense as small as $400.
Homeownership has its advantages. Saying “goodbye” to renting often means saying “hello” to increased square footage, stable housing payments, and potential tax benefits. It also provides an opportunity to build equity, the difference between the mortgage balance and the market value of the home, in an appreciating asset. The good news gets even better when homeowners learn they don’t have to sell their homes to access that equity. They can use a home equity line of credit to access the cash value in their homes today.
A home equity line of credit, aka HELOC, makes it possible for many Americans to purchase a second home, complete a delayed home improvement project, pay off high-interest rate credit card debt or achieve any number of financial goals without selling their primary residence. The popularity of HELOCs continue to rise.
