Part of the financial power of homeownership resides in your home’s equity. Home equity is the difference between the value of your home and how much you owe on it. Unlike rent, which goes into a landlord’s pocket, the equity you build in your home can be a valuable financial tool when the time is right. A home equity line of credit (HELOC) can give you access to that money, but like any loan, it has both pros and cons.

Unlike a home equity loan (HEL), the HELOC operates more like a credit card. Rather than draw a fixed amount at one time, you can draw on the line as needed. Like a credit card, though, a HELOC can be risky. Since your home secures the line of credit, a failure to keep up with the payments can put your home on the line.

 

 

Pros:

  • Large Pool of Credit: A typical HELOC allows you to access up to 85% of your home’s value minus the outstanding balance on your mortgage. This can be a massive pool of credit to work with, depending on your equity position. 
  • Low-interest rates: Typically, HELOCs offer lower interest rates than credit cards or other unsecured loans, making them an attractive way to finance large purchases.
  • Flexibility: You can draw on the line as much or as little as you need from month to month. This makes it easier to cover unexpected expenses or plan for large projects.
  • Tax Deductible: Interest payments on your HELOC may be tax deductible, providing additional savings if you qualify.

 

Cons:

  • Risk of Losing Home: As mentioned above, there is a risk with HELOC. Since your home secures the line of credit, a failure to keep up with the payments can put your home on the line.
  • Variable Rate: Unlike a fixed-rate mortgage, HELOCs typically employ variable rates that can move up or down depending on the market. This can make budgeting difficult if your payments change from month to month.
  • Fees & Closing Costs: As with any loan, closing fees and other costs may be associated with a HELOC.

 

Be sure to read the terms and ask questions before signing any paperwork.

 

Overall, home equity lines of credit can be an excellent tool for managing your finances, but risks are involved. Be careful to weigh the pros and cons before deciding if a HELOC is right for you. If you only need access to a small amount of money, the fees associated with securing a HELOC may not be worth it. On the other hand, if you need access to a large pool of credit and can manage the risk associated with it, then a HELOC may be an attractive option. Ultimately, the decision is yours.

Curious about your home’s value? Contact me today: 

Give us a call (928) 308-9595.