Wednesday, November 22, 2006

When You're Considering A Home Equity Loan

The average American has about $10,000 worth of credit card debt. Consider
the high costs of daily living that can be attributed to children, food,
healthcare, high gas prices plus the extras, and it's quite easy to see why
many Americans are struggling. Many people have turned to their most
valuable asset, their home, in order to get out of debt and to get back on
track. Home equity loans have helped many individuals do just that.

A home equity loan allows the homeowner to take out the equity in their home
in one lump sum. The loan must be paid back after a set period of time at a
fixed interest rate. Payments must be made every month. This type of loan is
so attractive because it allows the borrower to secure a big amount of cash
at a low interest rate. Home equity loans can be a very good way to pay off
debts, make home improvements, secure a big purchase or simply cash out.

Another great advantage of home equity loans is that the interest one pays
on the first $100,000 is tax deductible. This is in contrast to credit cards
or other unsecured debts, where you get absolutely no tax benefit.

It is important to note that a home equity loan is a secured loan. It uses
ones' home as collateral. This means that if an individual fails to repay
the loan, their home will be repossessed. It is for this reason that anyone
contemplating a home equity loan be absolutely sure that they can re-pay the
loan. If they later find they cannot, not only will their house be lost, but
any equity as well.

Home equity loans can be a good option for individuals needing to borrow
money in order to pay off credit card debt, pay for college tuition or make
home improvements. This type of loan allows for a big cash out at a low
interest rate with tax benefits. However, home equity loans are not without
their risks. Because this type of loan uses ones' home as collateral, it is
absolutely imperative that anyone who chooses to use this type of loan is
able to repay it.

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