Home Equity Line of Credit

Explanation of an Equity Line of Credit

In the 1990s, consumer attitudes toward home equity loans were largely negative and focused on avoidance. Loans of this type, called second mortgages, carried with them the stigma of financial desperation. In 1999, however, a series of Citicorp advertising campaigns were successful in changing attitudes. As of 2010, home equity loans are a common way for homeowners to get credit. These loans can be standard, lump-sum loans, or they can be a form of revolving credit called an equity line of credit.

All About Home Equity Line of Credit

Advantages of a Home Equity Line of Credit

A home equity line of credit, or HELOC, is a type of revolving credit line that is secured using your home as collateral and the amount of credit you qualify for will be based on the amount of equity you have. A home equity lin...

About an Equity Line of Credit

When you need to borrow money as an individual or as a businessperson, the interest cost is a major consideration. Equity lines of credit are popular options for a couple of reasons. By securing the loan with equity, you get lo...

How to Calculate Home Equity Line of Credit Interest

A home equity line of credit gives you the ability to borrow against the equity in your property as you need funds to pay expenses such as college tuition or home improvements. Commonly abbreviated HELOC, home equity lines of c...

Equity Line of Credit Information

Borrowing against equity can be used as a strategy to consolidate debt, pay for big ticket items, lower monthly expenditures or simply save on taxes. Popular lending tools, home equity lines of credit (HELOCs) have become commo...

How to Invest Using a Home Equity Line of Credit

A home equity line of credit (HELOC) is an adjustable-interest loan that allows you to withdraw and repay funds as you choose, while the bank charges you interest on the amount of money you use. If you have equity in your home,...

How to Convert a Home Equity Line of Credit

If you have a home equity line of credit (HELOC), and you're nearing the end of the withdrawal period or if the adjustable interest rates are high, you can convert the line of credit to a conventional loan. While a HELOC allows...

How to Refinance a HELOC

Your home equity line of credit (HELOC) allows you to withdraw funds and repay them as you choose, owing the bank only interest on the amount of money you use for a period of up to 25 years. While many homeowners find this flex...

How Home Equity Credit Works

If you find yourself facing unexpected expenses, you may be able to borrow against the value you own in your home. Typically, the longer you live in your home, the more equity you have. If you need money for medical expense...

What is an Equity Line of Credit?

When you need some cash but you don't want to take out a conventional loan, an equity line of credit might be the answer. Secured by your home or another form of property, an equity line of credit allows you to withdraw funds a...

How to Refinance a Home Equity Line of Credit

If you borrow money to remodel or make repairs to your home, your bank may approve a home equity line of credit (HELOC), allowing you to withdraw funds when you need them. A HELOC is an interest-only loan that requires you to m...

How to Understand a Home Equity Line of Credit

Your equity is the amount of value you own in your home. Occasionally, you may need money to remodel, to make repairs or for other expenses. Your bank may agree to lend you the money by establishing a home equity line of credi...

About a Home Equity Line of Credit

A Home Equity Line of Credit (HELOC) is a type of revolving credit in which the borrower uses their house as collateral for an additional loan. HELOCs can be used for a variety of reasons from education to medical emergencies. ...

What Are the Advantages of a Secure Line of Credit?

A secured line of credit is backed by collateral, which can be the item purchased whether it's a home, car or boat. Unsecured credit comes in the form of credit cards and personal loans that have no form of collateral that lend...

Secured Vs. Unsecured Credit

Many people do not realize there are different types of credit. They believe mortgages, home equity credit lines, personal loans, car loans and credit cards are all basically the same. There is actually an important difference....

How to Get a Home Equity Line of Credit

If you are a homeowner paying a mortgage, you might qualify for a home equity line of credit (HELOC). This operates similar to a separate checking account from which you can use your home equity to finance various expenses, suc...

Line of Credit Uses

A line of credit for consumers usually comes in the form of a home equity loan, which is borrowed against the equity that you have in your home, your most valuable asset. Lines of credit obtained from lenders or banks should no...

Different Kinds of Lines of Credit

However, before you can build credit, you have to understand it, namely the different kinds of credit that are out there and available to you. Once you know what's available, you can make an informed decision about when to open...

How Does The $8,000 First Time Home Buyer Credit Work?

Eligible participants can receive as much as $8,000 if they are first-time home-buyers. The act also includes a tax credit of $6,500 for repeat home-buyers. You can receive this tax credit if you buy a home between Jan. 1, 2009...

How to Buy a Home With Bad Credit and Foreclosure

Many Americans are facing foreclosure or have already suffered through it. Foreclosure has negative consequences on your credit score and if you already have not so good credit, then finding a loan company to mortgage a new hom...

Definition of a Home Equity Line of Credit

A home equity line of credit, or HELOC, is a loan in which the lender agrees to lend a maximum amount within an agreed period of time, and the equity in the borrower's home is used as collateral. This is different than a typica...