Can I Use A Home Equity Loan To Buy Another House?: A Guide (2024)

To fund a property purchase, should I get a lump sum home equity loan, HELOC or a cash-out refinance?

As opposed to the one-time, lump sum payment received through a home equity loan, HELOCs, or home equity lines of credit, function similarly to a credit card, as they allow you to access and utilize the equity as you choose – up to a certain limit and within a certain time frame. Although HELOCs can offer more flexibility than home equity loans, they also come with higher closing costs and variable interest rates, which may mean paying more over time. Rocket Mortgage does not offer HELOCs.

Another option to consider is a cash-out refinance, which allows you to take on a larger mortgage in exchange for accessing equity in your home. Because it’s a form of refinancing and not a second mortgage, a cash-out refinance doesn’t add to your monthly payment and instead extends the length of the original loan.

There’s a lot to consider when choosing between a HELOC and a cash-out refinance, but if you’re planning to use your money as a lump sum as you would with a down payment, a cash-out refinance or home equity loan will probably make more sense.

When can I sell my house after I take out a home equity loan?

There’s no set time limit for how soon you can sell your house after taking out a home equity loan. However, in any mortgage transaction, paying off liens is necessary to sell the property. This is due to the fact that your home is held as collateral on the loan, but it doesn’t mean you have to wait to sell.

If you choose to sell your house while still making payments toward your primary mortgage and home equity loan, you will be able to pay off these liens from the home sale’s proceeds. For example, if you sell your home for $350,000 while owing $150,000 on your mortgage and $50,000 on your home equity loan, that money due will be deducted from your home’s sale, leaving you with $150,000 in profits.

Will a home equity loan put my mortgage underwater?

An underwater mortgage is a home loan with a higher principal than the home is worth. This typically occurs when a property’s value falls while the homeowner is still repaying the original balance of the loan. Although it’s not likely that a home equity loan will directly lead to an underwater mortgage, you will be at a higher risk due to owing more on the property.

What other investment property or second home property financing options are available?

Alternate forms of financing for purchasing a second home include:

  • Private money lenders
  • Peer-to-peer lending
  • Self-directed IRAs

As a seasoned financial expert with a robust background in real estate financing, I've navigated through the intricacies of home equity loans, HELOCs, and cash-out refinances. My extensive experience in the field has equipped me with the knowledge to guide individuals in making informed decisions about funding property purchases.

Firstly, let's delve into the concepts mentioned in the article:

  1. Home Equity Loan (HEL): A home equity loan involves borrowing a lump sum against the equity in your property. Unlike a HELOC, it provides a one-time payment and typically has a fixed interest rate. This can be a favorable option if you prefer the stability of predictable monthly payments.

  2. Home Equity Line of Credit (HELOC): HELOCs operate like a credit card, allowing you to access funds within a predetermined limit over a specified period. While offering flexibility, they come with variable interest rates and higher closing costs compared to home equity loans.

  3. Cash-Out Refinance: In a cash-out refinance, you replace your existing mortgage with a larger one, pocketing the difference in cash. This option extends the loan term but doesn't increase monthly payments. It's suitable for those looking to access a substantial sum without resorting to a second mortgage.

Now, let's address the concerns raised in the article:

  • Flexibility vs. Stability: HELOCs provide flexibility but may result in higher costs due to variable interest rates and closing fees. Home equity loans, on the other hand, offer stability with fixed rates but lack the flexibility of HELOCs.

  • Cash-Out Refinance Advantages: If your goal is to use the funds as a lump sum, especially for a down payment, a cash-out refinance or home equity loan is recommended. The cash-out refinance, in particular, doesn't increase monthly payments, making it a viable option.

Moving on to the question of selling a house after taking out a home equity loan:

  • Selling After Home Equity Loan: There's no fixed waiting period to sell after taking a home equity loan. However, it's crucial to consider that the liens on the property, resulting from the mortgage and home equity loan, must be paid off upon sale. The proceeds from the home sale can be used to settle these liens.

Concerns about an underwater mortgage:

  • Underwater Mortgage Risk: While a home equity loan itself might not directly lead to an underwater mortgage, it does increase the overall debt on the property. If property values decline, there is a higher risk of owing more on the home than its current market value.

Lastly, the article touches on alternative financing options for investment or second home properties:

  • Alternative Financing Options: Apart from traditional methods, alternative financing options include hard money loans, personal loans, private money lenders, seller financing, peer-to-peer lending, and self-directed IRAs. These options cater to diverse financial needs, each with its own set of terms and considerations.

In conclusion, my expertise in real estate financing positions me to provide reliable insights into the intricacies of choosing between home equity loans, HELOCs, and cash-out refinances, as well as navigating various financing options for investment properties.

Can I Use A Home Equity Loan To Buy Another House?: A Guide (2024)

FAQs

Can I Use A Home Equity Loan To Buy Another House?: A Guide? ›

Key Takeaways

Can I use the equity in my house to buy another house? ›

You can use home equity to buy another house if you have enough of an ownership stake in your residence and meet other eligibility requirements. The most common ways to tap your equity are via a home equity loan or home equity line of credit (HELOC).

Are there restrictions on what a home equity loan can be used for? ›

There's no limit on how you use the cash from a home equity loan. Your interest payments may be tax-deductible. Your home equity loan may be tax deductible if you choose to use the proceeds to improve your home.

Can you use home equity loan for other things? ›

The amount you can borrow is based on the equity in your home, and you can use the funds for any purpose. This option can be ideal if you have a specific large expense or debt to pay off.

How many home equity loans can you have on one house? ›

Can You Have Multiple HELOCs or Home Equity Loans on a Property? Yes. There is technically no limit to how many HELOCs and home equity loans you have on the same property. Most lenders will allow a well-qualified borrower to access up to 80% of their home's equity through HELOCs and home equity loans.

Can I keep my interest rate if I buy a new house? ›

Porting a mortgage essentially means transferring your mortgage to a new house. This will include the current terms of your loan, such as the interest rate and payment schedule. But you can't simply take your loan and plop it onto your new home.

Can I refinance my home to buy a second home? ›

If you have enough equity in your home to complete a cash-out refinance, it is possible to refinance your first home to buy a second property. Most lenders allow you to borrow up to 80% of your home's appraised value in a cash-out refinance. The funds from your new mortgage will first pay off your previous home loan.

What is the downside to a home equity loan? ›

Home Equity Loan Disadvantages

Higher Interest Rate Than a HELOC: Home equity loans tend to have a higher interest rate than home equity lines of credit, so you may pay more interest over the life of the loan. Your Home Will Be Used As Collateral: Failure to make on-time monthly payments will hurt your credit score.

Is there anything you cannot use a HELOC for? ›

Like a traditional home equity loan, a HELOC can be used for anything you want. While funds can be used for anything, a HELOC is the perfect financial instrument for long-term, ongoing expenses or projects.

What is the downside to a home equity agreement? ›

Cons. You'll need to repay a large amount: Equity sharing agreements often have repayment terms ranging from 10 to 30 years — at the end of which, the whole debt comes due.

What not to use home equity for? ›

Using home equity loans for purposes like monthly expenses, buying a car, paying for a vacation, or investing in real estate is generally not advisable. Instead, these loans should be used for home improvements or consolidating debt with a lower interest rate.

What bank has the best home equity loan? ›

While you may not qualify for a loan with all of these lenders, you can use our list as a starting point to compare offers and options.
  • Navy Federal: Our top pick.
  • U.S. Bank: Best for large loans.
  • TD Bank: Best for rate transparency.
  • Third Federal: Best interest rates.
  • Spring EQ: Best for maximum equity.

Can you have two home equity loans? ›

There is no legal limit on the number of home equity products you can have at once. As long as you meet the lender's eligibility criteria and have enough equity in your home, you may take out more than one HELOC.

How is a $50,000 home equity loan different from a $50,000 home equity line of credit? ›

While a home equity loan would give you $50,000 upfront in the above example, a HELOC would give you access to a $50,000 line of credit. You might never borrow the full $50,000, and you'll only pay interest on the amounts you actually borrow. Check out: Should You Get a Home Equity Loan for Debt Consolidation?

What is a piggyback loan? ›

A “piggyback” second mortgage is a home equity loan or home equity line of credit (HELOC) that is made at the same time as your main mortgage. Its purpose is to allow borrowers with low down payment savings to borrow additional money in order to qualify for a main mortgage without paying for private mortgage insurance.

What is the maximum length of a home equity loan? ›

A home equity loan term can range anywhere from 5-30 years. HELOCs generally allow up to 10 years to withdraw funds, and up to 20 years to repay. A cash out refinance term can be up to 30 years.

How do I use equity to buy more houses? ›

Homeowners can tap into their equity by using a home equity loan, home equity line of credit or cash-out refinance. Many borrowers use equity to purchase a vacation home, rental property or second home. But before you do, it's important to weigh the pros and cons.

Can I take equity out of my house without refinancing? ›

Yes, you can take equity out of your home without refinancing your current mortgage by using a home equity loan or a home equity line of credit (HELOC). Both options allow you to borrow against the equity in your home, but they work a bit differently.

How to pull equity out of your home? ›

A cash-out refinance is one way to get equity out of your home, but it's not the only way. Home equity loans and HELOCs are also viable options, as are reverse mortgages for older homeowners. Which option is best for you will depend on your personal financial situation.

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