Homeowners across Florida are reaping the benefits of historically low mortgage rates and the current seller’s real estate market. With the prospect of securing interest rates near 3% – rates unseen in over half a century – many homeowners are determining whether to love it or list it. Here’s what you should consider when choosing between a Home Equity Line of Credit (HELOC) vs. a home mortgage.
Do you love your current home but feel it just needs some updating? Exceptionally low-interest rates make now an amazing time to consider taking out a Home Equity Line of Credit. This option allows you to create a line of credit by using your home as collateral. It offers the ability to withdraw funds as needed while offering highly flexible repayment options. This line of credit is a great option if you love your current neighborhood and would like to upgrade your home’s features to your personal taste, while also increasing the value of your home in the long term. Without the hassle of moving, your upgraded home can grow with you and your family to meet your specific needs.
While many people opt to use a HELOC for home renovation, it can also be used for large expenses not related to your home. Having a HELOC gives you the flexibility to withdraw funds, pay them back, and withdraw again, as you need, within a specific timeframe. Imagine having access to those funds for a special vacation, college funds, a wedding, credit card debt consolidation, or just as an emergency fund.
Generally speaking, a HELOC has fewer closing costs than a mortgage and some lenders even waive the closing cost fees if the borrower takes an initial draw on the line. For example, Seacoast is currently offering to pay all or part of your closing costs, excluding appraisal and title policy, with an immediate draw of $25,000. Closing costs for a HELOC at Seacoast generally fall between $225 and $5,000. The security of your current home equity may qualify you for a lower HELOC rate than other types of loans, but you do run the risk of having to pay back your HELOC early if you decide to sell your home before your line of credit ends. Another consideration is that interest rates are not typically fixed, but some lenders, such as Seacoast, offer “Carve Out” options, giving you the ability to secure a fixed rate on a portion of the loan.
Not sure if you can get what you want from a home renovation? There’s no way to ignore the incredibly low-interest mortgage rates right now. The current market offers sellers an opportunity to list their houses at higher prices while being able to buy a new house with some of the lowest mortgage rates in decades. This is a great option if you’ve been thinking about living in a new neighborhood, craving a fresh start, or even just considering upgrades that your current house wouldn’t be able to support (i.e. a better view, more space, or a better layout). In contrast to a HELOC, a home mortgage typically gives you the loan in full and is repaid in the form of fixed payments over the loan period.
Interest rates change daily, more so for home mortgages than for HELOCs. To help avoid a high-interest rate, it’s best to check rates on a daily basis vs waiting days or weeks, before moving forward. If you are in the market for a home mortgage, it’s a good idea to find a lender who offers the ability to lock in your rate. Seacoast offers a ‘lock and shop’ option to help secure the lowest possible rate for clients. Learn more about securing a fixed rate.
Whether you’re applying for a HELOC or home mortgage, your bank will look at several factors to determine your financial eligibility, including your credit score (FICO score), your debt-to-income ratio, and the amount of equity in your home. While both options present open doors for homeowners, there are some considerations you should take into account to decide what works best for you.
Whether you choose to LOVE or LIST your home, you may want to consider the pros and cons of a HELOC vs home mortgage:
| HELOC - Love It | Mortgage - List It |
| Pros | Pros |
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| Cons | Cons |
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In the end, the choice is personal – but current mortgage rates and HELOC rates present opportunities that homeowners haven’t seen in nearly 50 years. So, will you choose to love it or list it? Connect with a Seacoast representative today to discuss which option provides you with the most benefit.
Topics: Home Ownership
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