Home equity is the actual difference between the amount your home could be sold for and the amount that you already owe on the mortgage. Assume that the market value of your home is $200,000 and you owe $70,000 on your mortgage, then you have $130,000 equity available on your home. Remember that if you have more than one mortgage taken on your property, then all of them have to be considered for calculating the outstanding dues.

A home-equity loan is a good way to borrow money for two main reasons:

1. The interest rate is one of the lowest loan rates a borrower can get.

2. The interest you pay on the loan is tax-deductible. Thus it is sometimes recommended by many to replace other consumer loans whose interest is not tax-deductible, such as auto loans, credit card debt, and medical debt with the Home Equity Loan.

Caution: If you don't repay the debt, you can risk losing the home and be forced to move out. Do act with care and make sure you are able to fulfil the repayment terms.

There Are Two Types of Home Equity Loans

1.The standard home equity loan,

2.The home equity line of credit (HELOC's)

In a standard home equity loan, a pre specified amount of money is loaned in a lump sum for a specified period of time and the same amount of interest is paid every month. It is also called a term loan, a closed-end loan or a second mortgage installment loan.

HELOC works similar to a credit card because it has a revolving balance. A HELOC allows you to borrow up to a certain fixed amount for a specified period of the loan which is set by the lender. During that time period, you can withdraw as much money as you need. As you clear the principal, you can use the credit again, like a credit card.

These loans are repaid in a shorter period of time than the first mortgages. They often have a repayment period of 5 to15 years.

The loan could be either a fixed interest rate or a variable interest rate.

Homeowners often use a home-equity loan for home improvements or debt consolidation or to pay for a new car or to finance their child's college education.