Home Equity Lines of Credit


If you need to borrow money to pay off debts or make
a major purchase, a home equity line of credit
(HELOC) can be useful. A HELOC is a form of
revolving credit secured by the equity in your home.
This is an open ended loan that can be paid down or
charged up for the term of the loan, much like a credit
card. The interest rate fluctuates (typically monthly).

With a HELOC, your lender will approve you for a specific amount of credit - the
maximum amount you may borrow at any one time under the plan. In determining your
credit limit, your income, debts, credit history and other financial obligations will be
reviewed. An appraisal will be required on your home to determine the home's market
value. Your credit limit will be based on a percentage of your home's appraised value,
which is then subtracted from the balance owed on your existing mortgage.

When you take out a HELOC, you pay for many of the same expenses as when you
financed your original mortgage, such as an application fee, title search, appraisal,
attorneys' fees, and points (a percentage of the amount you borrow).

Most HELOCs have a set draw period (5, 10, even 20 years) during which you can
borrow money. Typically, you will use special checks or a credit card to draw on your
line. You will be required to make a minimum payment each month usually the
interest that accrued during the draw period. However, the interest you pay is usually
tax deductible. At the end of your draw period, you will be required to pay off the loan,
making monthly payments on the principal and interest.
Building wealth through the intelligent, strategic use of mortgage financing
Charter Lending 6908 Summerbridge Drive Tampa, FL 33634-2255
Phone: (813) 514-4993 Fax: (813) 864-0341 E-mail:
Dave@CharterLendingOnline.com