Are you wondering what is a HELOC? A HELOC, or Home Equity Line of Credit is a line of credit secured by your home. For example, if you have a HELOC with a $50k limit, and you use $10k, then you have $40k remaining. If you pay off the $10k, then you are back to the beginning with $50k being available to you. Conveniently, this feature makes it re-advanceable.
HELOC Pros
- Quick and Easy access to money: The HELOC can be in the form of overdraft, checking account, or even made through Visa card access. Indeed, the funds can be used for anything you like.
- The interest rate is usually much lower than unsecured, but typically a touch higher than a traditional first Mortgage.
- In many cases, the HELOC interest can be tax-deductible. Check with your accountant to be sure.
HELOC Cons:
- In some cases, there’s a pre-determined pay off required. I.e. 5yrs, 10yrs, etc. This can be problematic in the future if you cannot refinance.
- Quick and MUCH too Easy access to money: If you aren’t disciplined with your money, it can lead to a never ending debt trap
- HELOC’s are typically tied to the bank’s prime rate. So when rates go up, so do these. If you keep a high balance, that could eat in to your cash flow.
How is the limit determined?
What it comes down to are two main things:
- What is the current appraised value of your home.
- The total amount owing on your home.
Let’s assume your home is worth $400,000 (Based on a current appraisal) and you owe a grand total of $150,000 on it (via a first mortgage). I will further assume you do not have a current HELOC or second mortgage.
Assuming you pass credit and income verification, your lender can typically lend up to 80% of your homes’ appraised value, minus your pre-existing mortgage balances. Also, in some circumstances, the lender might go higher than 80%, but in those cases, the interest rate might be affected.
Using this calculation, $400,000 * 80% is $320,000. Subtract what you owe (150k) and you’re left with $170,000 of a POTENTIAL limit on a HELOC (subject to passing credit checks, income verification, etc).
Do I need good credit?
Not necessarily. If you are seeking the very best rates out there, you’ll want to have a credit score well into the 700’s. You’ll also need to have enough verifiable income to easily afford the payments. Last, anything less, and at best, you’ll simply be offered a higher rate.
Rick Orford