As a homeowner there may be circumstances that come up where you need additional funds to remodel or make repairs to your home, or you might need some money to cover an emergency expense. A home equity loan is a great way to access the equity in your home and provide you with the extra funds you may need. Another benefit that many homeowners don't know, is that there are also some tax benefits in doing so as well.

There are two basic types of home equity loans.  One type is a traditional loan where you borrow the whole amount of the loan, then pay it back with specified monthly payments over a specified term.  The second type is a Home Equity Line of Credit (HELOC) where you obtain a fixed line of credit based on the equity of your house.   Typically with this type of loan you only pay interest on the amount that you borrow, and your monthly payments may vary also.

The interest is deducible up to the purchase price of the house plus any improvements.  Many people mistakenly think that all real estate related interest is deductible.  Several years ago the held true but tax reform has since been passed. However, for most people the tax deductions are still substantial, but you may want to consult a tax professional to determine how much you can deduct in your specific case.

However, even if the interest is not deductible, the savings associated with the lower interest rates charged on a home equity loan, will still be beneficial to pay off other higher interest credit cards or other loans.

It is important however to do the math and be responsible when considering these types of loans. Many homeowners found themselves in trouble when they borrowed against the equity in their home and then when housing values declined, they owed more than the house was worth.

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