Debts that go unpaid can damage your credit and make it difficult to obtain a home loan. In some cases it is recommended that before obtaining a home loan the borrower consolidate or pay of his debt. Debt consolidation will lower your monthly payments while simultaneously increasing your credit rating. Paying off debt, without the assistance of consolidation, prior to applying for a home loan is another good way to improve your chances of being approved for a home loan. Refinancing your first mortgage or obtaining a new home equity loan may also be a financially practical way to relieve the burden of high monthly payments.

Tax Savings

Often times the interest portion of a debt consolidation loan or second mortgage may be tax deductible. The total deductions depend on your individual tax bracket and state tax laws. Check with your tax advisor for more details. The tax savings can be substantial when compared to your non-deductible monthly bills.

Simple Interest Savings

The differences in the type of interest you pay on your home loan will impact the price of your monthly payments. With simple interest, interest is calculated once and is fixed. This can create savings for the home owner because with compound interest, the interest amount is added to the principle continually and then begins to incur additional interest charges. Credit cards work by charging compound interest and this is why the balances can easily get out of control and be difficult to pay off.

Debt Consolidation Loan Terms

Many mortgage lenders give borrowers the option of using all or part of your new home loan for debt consolidation. If you prefer, you can choose to use some of the money to build an addition onto your home or make other home improvements. This money can also be received as cash for personal use.

No Equity Home Loans

When considering a debt consolidation loan or a second mortgage, homeowners should know that in many cases no equity is required. Many mortgage lenders offer no equity home loans to help you, the homeowner, consolidate your bills and lower your monthly payments. The funds generated through this type of no equity mortgage can be used for any purpose. These loans are available to qualified borrowers at up to 125% of a home's current price.

Home Equity Credit Line
Home Equity Credit Line

There are many options for home owners who wish to meet growing financial demands; one way to improve your financial situation is to borrow money is through a home equity line of credit. This source of credit can provide certain tax advantages and generally allows you to borrow large sums of money at affordable rates. This line of credit uses your house as collateral though, which means such a credit line can be risky if you default on the monthly mortgage payments. The funds that you receive from a home equity credit line can be used to fund anything from home improvements to a child's school tuition.

Second Mortgage Terms

Mortgage lenders offer several different terms for second mortgages. The repayment terms for your second mortgage will depend on your individual circumstances and will depend on the amount of time you will require prior to repayment. It is often difficult for borrowers to repay a large loan in a short period of time. For this reason it is best to choose a second mortgage on your home that does not require repayment after only couple of years.


Second Mortgage Rates

The two most common types of interest rates that can be linked to your second mortgage are adjustable rates and fixed rates. Adjustable rate mortgages allow the interest rate to fluctuate during the life of the home loan. Fixed rate mortgages, on the other hand, maintain the same interest rate for the life of the loan. Both fixed and adjustable rate mortgages have their strengths and weaknesses. In today's unstable economy, adjustable rate mortgages can be risky for the homeowner because the rate can increase with little notice. On the other hand, this type of mortgage may allow you to purchase a more expensive home.

Determine Your Monthly Payment

As a home owner it is important to determine what your monthly payment will be when you take out a second mortgage or home equity line of credit. When the monthly payments are calculated you will have a better idea of your ability to pay for the loan. Mortgage lenders are not required to determine your precise monthly payment on a home equity credit line because it will vary month to month but will instruct you about how the payments are calculated on a monthly basis.