Print Article for : Bad Credit Second Mortgages

Your Online Guide » Guide to Finance » How To Handle Finances

[B119]Bad Credit Second Mortgages

by Brad Stroh, Bra

Nobody ever intends to end up with bad credit. When you decide to consolidate your credit card debt and student loans or make home improvements and realize your credit is not what you had hoped, it can be a big blow. The good news is that you still have options. A secured loan or a loan secured against some kind of collateral is easier to obtain for people with bad credit than an unsecured loan. However, remember that a loan secured against your home means that the lender takes your property if you cannot make your payments, so be sure that you need and not just want that loan.

Types of Bad Credit Second Mortgages
Just like a second mortgage for people with good credit, you have two choices:

* Home equity loan
* Home equity line of credit

Both loans are determined based on the amount of equity that you have built up on your home -- the amount that you still owe on your mortgage subtracted from the total value of your home. When people think of a second mortgage, they are usually thinking of a home equity loan, in which the borrower receives in a lump sum, usually at a fixed interest rate. A home equity line of credit or HELOC can be used more like a credit card, with the borrower able to withdraw smaller amounts over time. With a home equity line of credit, your payments against your balance open up your credit reserves for you to borrow against again.

Home Equity Loan Pros
Obtaining a second mortgage can be a wise choice even for people with bad credit if you can also use your loan to improve your credit score.

* Making your payments on time and in full on your mortgage can be one of the best ways to improve your credit score.
* Using your second mortgage to consolidate debt can be very wise. When consolidating debt be sure that you are paying off debt with higher interest rates than the rates on your second mortgage.
* Using your second mortgage to pay for education can help you to obtain a higher paying job that will make it easier for you to meet all of your obligations in general. However, if going to school means taking time off of work, you will want to be sure that you will be able to make all of you payments on your first mortgage and second mortgage or you may risk losing your home.
* Using your second mortgage to pay for home improvements can raise the value of your home. If you are making the improvement because you are interested in selling, be sure to request the loan before you put your home on the market or it will be very difficult for you to obtain a second mortgage.
* Keeping your good interest rate on your first mortgage can be a good reason to get a second mortgage as opposed to refinancing your first mortgage with cash out. You may end up with a high interest second mortgage, but in the end, you will be saving money.

Home Equity Loan Cons
You always want to do your research when you take out a loan. Be sure to consider these cons before you put your home on the line.

* If you are already struggling to make your current mortgage payment, adding another monthly responsibility may damage your credit further and cost you your home.
* You may be able to get a better interest rate refinancing your current mortgage that you are able to on a second mortgage. First mortgage rates are usually lower than those on second mortgages and if you can get a lower interest than you currently have, a cash-out refinance may be a better option for you. Be sure to shop around before you make your final decision.
* Lenders may try to take advantage of your poor credit history in order to take your home. Make sure that you understand all of the terms of your second mortgage loan. Balloon payments, which require you to pay the full balance at the end of the term or the fluctuating rate of a HELOC, may put your home in jeopardy if you are unable to make your payment to your lender.

Even with bad credit, you can get a second mortgage, but be sure to investigate all of your options before you sign on the dotted line. For more articles on Bad Credit Second Mortgage, visit Bills . Com

If you are a homeowner and in need of some extra cash, one possibility you could consider is taking out a second mortgage. If the present value of your house exceeds the amount you paid for it (your mortgage total), then you have equity that can be used to borrow more money. This is basically a loan that is secured on your house ? and is sometimes termed a further advance.

Finding Another Lender?

You can approach your existing lender for a second mortgage, or shop around for a lower interest rate. It's likely your second mortgage will be for a lesser amount of capital, but will nevertheless be subject to higher interest rates and possible charges. This is because it represents more of a risk to the lender ? the lender takes a ?second charge? over your property, which means that if the debt was recalled and your house repossessed, they would be second in line after your main lender to receive their debt.

For What Purpose?

Secured loans and second mortgages are popular with people who want to raise extra funds ? for example if you want to carry out home improvements or set up in business and need capital to get going. Although it can be a good way to find a cash lump sum fast, be aware that you are eating into the investment that your property should be. You should make sure that you have planned for the extra cost of repayments beyond what you initially were bound to. If the mortgage term will last into your retirement, will you be in a position to keep up the repayments?

Understanding The Small Print

While there are any number of lenders offering second mortgages, before you commit yourself to one you should be totally clear about the terms offered. Although there may be a special offer or discounted period of low interest, often these will revert to a higher rate after the set period ? once again, you need to take the long term view rather than the short term. Also, your equity can provide a security cushion so that if market prices fall, you will avoid the negative equity ?gap? ? taking out a second mortgage means you will lose that safety feature. (This is where the phrase ?mortgaged up to the eyeballs? is particularly apposite.)

You should also take into account any other costs that you may incur ? arrangement fees, a re-valuation survey, additional payment protection etc.

Article Source : Pg. 138

About Author

Both Brad Stroh & Joe Kenny are contributors for EditorialToday. The above articles have been edited for relevancy and timeliness. All write-ups, reviews, tips and guides published by EditorialToday.com and its partners or affiliates are for informational purposes only. They should not be used for any legal or any other type of advice. We do not endorse any author, contributor, writer or article posted by our team.

Brad Stroh has sinced written about articles on various topics from Auto Insurance, Bad Credit Home and Finances. Brad co-founded Freedom Financial Network in 2002 and Bills.com in 2005. Bills.com and Freedom have been recognized by the Inc 500 list, Entrepreneur Magazine's Hot 100, Best Places to Work in Silicon Valley and Phoenix. Additionally, Brad was named to Si. Brad Stroh's top article generates over 33100 views. to your Favourites.

Joe Kenny has sinced written about articles on various topics from Mortgage, Credit Cards and Life Insurance. Joseph Kenny writes for the which offers more information on. Joe Kenny's top article generates over 49500 views. to your Favourites.