What is a home equity loan?
A home equity loan is a type of loan in which the borrower uses the equity in their home as collateral. These loans are sometimes useful to help finance major home repairs, medical bills or college education. A home equity loan creates a lien against the borrower’s house, and reduces actual home equity. Home equity loans are most commonly second position liens (second trust deed), although they can be held in first or, less commonly, third position. Most home equity loans require good to excellent credit history, and reasonable loan-to-value and combined loan-to-value ratios.
A home equity loan allows you to tap into your home’s built-up equity, which is the difference between the amount that your home could be sold for and the amount that you still owe. Homeowners often use a home-equity loan for home improvements, to pay for a new car, or to finance their child’s college education. The interest paid is usually tax-deductible. Because the loan is secured by your home’s equity, if you default, the bank may foreclose on your house and take ownership of it. This type of loan is sometimes referred to as a second mortgage or borrowing against your home.
