|
News
|
How to use a Home Equity Line of Credit Calculator
By John Ross
Most home owners know that the lower the interest rate, the lower the monthly payments. But then the process may get a bit fuzzy. While your monthly payments may be the same every month, you are not applying the same amount to the principal of the loan. Your amortization will vary month to month. So, you will have to use a little math to determine how much equity you are actually gaining. Are you confused yet? If you are, don't worry. There is luckily a very helpful tool that will take the guess work out of home equity loans. Before you commit to anything, you should play around with a home equity loan calculator to determine how much you can borrow. There are many sites available online that give you free access to a wealth of tools and calculators.
What is a home equity loan calculator? Basically, it is a mathematical program that will ask for a few key pieces of information. It will then calculate how much you can borrow, and show you an example of what your amortization schedule would look like. Your lender may use a similar program to determine the amount that you can borrow against your home.
Once you find a home equity loan calculator, you will need to enter in a little bit of information. First it will ask you the value of your home. Typically, the more accurate this figure the more likely you are to get an accurate end result. Most appraisal companies will take private orders, so you can order an appraisal at any time prior to actually obtaining a loan. Prices vary by location, but you can expect to spend a few hundred dollars obtaining a report. Second, you will be asked the amount owed on your current mortgage. This should include any first or second mortgages that you may already have out. Consult your mortgage lender to find out the exact amount owed at the present time. From these two figures the program will determine how much equity you have in the home. You may also be asked for the loan to value ratio required. This is typically 80%, 90%, 100%, or even 125%.
Once you have these figures entered into the program, you are likely to receive a graphical representation of your results. You should receive a chart or graph outlining the amount that you could borrow at 80%, 90%, 100% and 125%, and your estimated monthly payment. It may also include a sample of your amortization schedule, so that you can see how much of your monthly payment is going toward the principal at any given point during the loan. The graph may also show how much you could borrow if you the value of your home was more or less than your appraised value. This can be useful if you are using a ballpark figure or plan to make some improvements to the home in the near future.
The first step in obtaining a home equity loan should be researching your options. A home equity loan calculator is an excellent tool to compare and contrast different loan products and determine how much you will have to pay each month.
|
Home Equity Loan Articles |
.
Be Prepared With Your Home Equity Loan Checklist?
A home equity loan can be an excellent way to obtain money in order to pay off high interest bills or consolidate your current debt into one monthly payment. A home equity line of credit is a form of revolving...
Comparing Home Equity Loans - 2nd Mortgage Advice
If you are thinking about undertaking a major home improvement project or debt consolidation for those mounting credit card bills, then perhaps its time to consider a home equity loan. While the two most...
Building Home Equity and Saving
Todays borrowers refinancing to shorten the term of the mortgage. However even at low rates, a shorter term means a higher monthly payment. The benefit is that youll build up equity faster and pay far...
Is A Home Equity Credit Line Right for You?
Is A Home Equity Credit Line Right for You? Home EquityUsing credit lines against the equity of your home are one source of consumer credit that is fast gaining popularity. Home equity is a valuable asset...
Great information on debt consolidation home loans
If you are facing the frightening perspective of getting buried in debts, credits or mortgages, you should know there is a way of easing your life. And this way is called debt consolidation home loan....
The Reverse Mortgage... What The Heck Is It Anyway?
Are you 62 or older and own your own home? Then, you probably qualify for a reverse mortgage.
But, what the heck is it anyway? Well, if you still have a conventional mortgage ... or had one until you burned...
|
