Sunday, November 26, 2006

Comparing Home Equity Loans and Credit Lines

Home Equity Loan

What you get

A single lump-sum payment for the full loan amount

How you use it

To finance large one-time expenses that have a definite cost

How you pay it back

Repay the full loan amount over a specific time period, at a fixed interest rate

Benefits

It offers simple repayment terms, and the security of knowing your payments will never increase.


Home Equity Line of Credit

What you get

A revolving source of cash that you can draw from as needed

How you use it

To finance ongoing expenses or miscellaneous purchases, like you would use a credit card

How you pay it back

Make payments on the outstanding balance, at a variable interest rate

Benefits

It’s there when you need it, and you only make payments on what you use.