A HELOC (Home Equity Line of Credit) vs Home Equity Loan are two ways homeowners can borrow against the equity they have built up in their homes. A HELOC works like a credit card, where you are approved for a certain amount of credit and can withdraw money as needed up to that limit.
On the other hand, a Home Equity Loan is a lump-sum loan that a borrower receives based on the equity they have in their home. Both options have their pros and cons, and it’s essential to understand the differences between the two before deciding which one to use.
What is Home Equity Loan vs HELOC?
A Home Equity Loan is a lump-sum loan that allows you to borrow against the equity they have built up in your home. You can repay the loan over a fixed period with a fixed interest rate.
A HELOC is a line of credit that allows homeowners to borrow against their home’s equity up to a pre-approved limit, similar to a credit card. The borrower can draw money from the line of credit as needed and repay it over time.
You can use both Home Equity Loans and HELOCs for a variety of purposes, including home improvement projects, debt consolidation, and other major expenses.
Difference Between HELOC and Home Equity Loan
Interest Rates: HELOC interest rates are usually lower than Home Equity Loan rates initially. However, HELOC rates can fluctuate based on market conditions, while Home Equity Loan rates can be fixed or variable.
Payment Terms: HELOC payments are typically interest-only during the draw period and require principal and interest payments during the repayment period. In contrast, Home Equity Loan payments require both principal and interest payments from the start.
Access to Funds: HELOCs allow borrowers to withdraw funds as needed up to a pre-approved limit. Home Equity Loans provide borrowers with a lump sum of money at once.
Flexibility: HELOCs offer more flexibility than Home Equity Loans. Borrowers can draw money from their HELOC as needed, while Home Equity Loans provide a fixed amount of money.
Payment Shock: HELOC payments can increase significantly once the draw period ends, causing payment shock. In contrast, Home Equity Loan payments remain the same throughout the life of the loan.
Closing Costs: HELOCs usually have lower closing costs than Home Equity Loans.
Pros and Cons of HELOC vs Home Equity Loan
HELOC Pros
- Flexibility: Borrowers can access funds as required up to their approved credit limit.
- Low Initial Costs: HELOCs typically have lower closing costs than Home Equity Loans.
- Interest-Only Payments: During the draw period, borrowers only need to make interest payments on the amount they withdraw.
- Potential Tax Benefits: Interest paid on a HELOC may be tax-deductible if the funds are used for home improvements.
HELOC Cons
- Variable Interest Rates: HELOC interest rates can change based on market conditions, potentially leading to higher payments in the future.
- Payment Shock: Once the draw period ends, you may be required to make larger payments than during the interest-only period.
- Risk of Foreclosure: If borrowers are unable to make payments, they risk losing their homes.
Home Equity Loan Pros
- Fixed Interest Rates: Home Equity Loans typically offer fixed interest rates, providing predictable payments throughout the loan term.
- Lump-Sum Payment: Borrowers receive a fixed amount of money at once, which can be helpful for large, one-time expenses.
- Potentially Lower Total Interest: You can repay home equity loans over a longer period than HELOCs, potentially leading to lower total interest paid over time.
- Predictable Payments: Payments remain the same throughout the life of the loan.
Home Equity Loan Cons
- Higher Initial Costs: Home Equity Loans typically have higher closing costs than HELOCs.
- Less Flexibility: Borrowers receive a fixed amount of money and cannot access additional funds without taking out a new loan.
- Fixed Payments: While predictable, payments are inflexible and cannot be adjusted based on changing circumstances.
- Potential Risk of Foreclosure: If borrowers are unable to make payments, they risk losing their homes.
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Final Word
Both HELOCs and Home Equity Loans are options for homeowners to access the equity in their homes. HELOCs offer flexibility, low initial costs, and interest-only payments during the draw period, but also come with variable interest rates and the potential for payment shock.
Home Equity Loans provide fixed interest rates, lump-sum payments, and predictable payments throughout the loan term, but also come with higher initial costs and less flexibility.
Ultimately, the decision between a HELOC and a Home Equity Loan will depend on each borrower’s financial situation and goals. It’s important for borrowers to carefully consider the pros and cons of each option before making a decision.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Are rates lower on a HELOC or home equity loan?
HELOCs have lower interest rates than Home Equity Loans because they are considered to be riskier for lenders.
What credit score is required for HELOC?
The credit score required to qualify for a HELOC (Home Equity Line of Credit) is 680 or higher.
What credit score is required for Home Equity Loan?
The credit score required to qualify for a Home Equity Loan is 620 or higher.
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