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A second
mortgage is a loan that is secured by the equity
in your home. When you obtain a second mortgage loan
the lender will place a lien on your house. This lien
will be recorded in 2nd position after your primary or
1st mortgage lender's lien, hence the term second
mortgage. A second mortgage is also
sometimes referred to as a home
equity loan. There is no difference
between a home equity loan and a second mortgage.
These are just two different terms for the same
subject. A second mortgage can either be a fixed-rate
loan or an adjustable-rate credit line. Interest
rates and loan program terms will vary
from lender to lender so it is important to shop
around and compare before committing to any one offer.
A second
mortgages are ideal when you just want to tap into
your equity, plan to move soon, or are unsure about
the amount you want to borrow. Another plus of a
second mortgage loan is that the interest you pay back
on the loan
may be tax deductible. Consult your tax advisor
regarding your personal situation but in most cases
the interest is 100% fully deductible as long as the
combined loan to value of your 1st and 2nd mortgage do
not exceed the value of your home.
Loan proceeds from a second mortgage
loan can be used for just about anything. Many
consumers take out 2nd mortgage loans to consolidate
debt, do home improvements or pay for their kids
college education. Whatever you decide to do with your
loan proceeds it is important to remember that if you
default on your payment you can lose your home so you
will want to make sure that you are taking the loan
out for a worthwhile purpose.
A second mortgages aren't for
everyone. You should weigh the cost of PMI and
payments when choosing your financing options.
Borrowing more than 80% of your home's value will
subject you to private mortgage insurance. Your
monthly payments should also be a factor in your
decision. By taking out equity when refinancing your
home, you will have a lower payment than if you had
both a mortgage and 2nd mortgage payment. Also, if you
refinance in the future, you will have to pay off your
2nd mortgage.
By Tony Reed
About the Author: Tony Reed is the author of How to
obtain a second mortgage loan?. Visit his website
Loans & Debt Guides for more information.
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