Question:

What is better for me – a cash-out mortgage refinance vs home equity loan?

Answer:

If you have a mortgage with balance of, say, $100,000 and you need $50,000 cash, you are probably wondering if it is better to take a cash-out refinance of $150,000, or a second mortgage of $50,000.

The answer cannot be easily generalized since there are many factors that will affect your decision. In general, a home equity loan, also referred to as second mortgage, will be shorter in duration, and you’ll be building equity on your house sooner. Both cash-out refinance and home equity can be used to reduce monthly payments over a long period. Usually, a cash-out refinance will have better rates than a home equity.

Also, borrowers who have a several years old mortgage with low rates may do better with a home equity loan. Those who have older mortgages at higher rates will generally fare better if they cash-out. However, do not expect generalizations to give you the right answer. You’d better make the necessary calculations, with all the variables taken into consideration – the amount of cash you need, the rate, insurance and duration of your first mortgage, interest tax bracket, etc.

Recommended helpful present and future homeowners links:
Why: Refinance to a fixed rate loan while mortgage rates are still low.
Link:
Why: Because FHA loans are insured by the US Federal Government they have very competitive interest rates and are easier to qualify.
Link:
Why: Know and protect your credit report and score.
Link: See All 3 National Credit Scores & 3 Reports Instantly, Online & Free
Why: Find your next home and save money.
Link: Search thousands of foreclosures. Free 7-day trial.
Was this Mortgage QnA helpful?
Not at all
  • Currently 3.1/5 Stars
  • 1
  • 2
  • 3
  • 4
  • 5
Definitely
Add to this Answer

Mortgage QnA is not a common forum. We have special rules:

  • Post no questions here. To ask a question, click the Ask a Question link
  • We will not publish answers that include any form of advertising
  • Add your answer only if it will contrubute to the quality of this Mortgage QnA and help future readers
If you have trouble reading the code, click on the code itself to generate a new random code. Verification Code Above:
Bookmark and share this QnA:

Common misspellings: mortage and morgage