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Which is better: Home Equity Loan Or A Cash Out Refinance? - The Bills.com Blog
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Which is better: Home Equity Loan Or A Cash Out Refinance?
Question: Is it better to consolidate debt through a home equity loan or a refi with cash out?
Answer: If you are consolidating credit card debt, it is important to be aware that shifting unsecured debt (credit cards are unsecured) to secured debt (your mortgage is secured by your home) can create a volatile situation, if there is ever a chance that you cannot afford the new mortgage payment you arenow putting yourself at risk of foreclosure.
Consider the following factors when deciding between the two types of loans that you mention:
- The interest rates on home equity loans are usually higher than the interest rate when you refinance, but you'll generally pay substantial closing costs to refinance. Closing costs for home equity loans are usually insignificant.
- A home equity loan takes less time to disburse, you can be done within a week. A refinance can usually take a month or longer to get finalized.
- When refinancing, you'll probably pay back
the loan in 15 or 30 years. Your monthly payments will be smaller, but you'll pay a lot more interest over time because your loan will last for a longer term.
- With a home equity loan, you have more flexibility and can take advantage of a shorter term to reduce the amount of interest you'll pay over the life of the loan.
In your case, if the consolidation is indeed for credit cards, then I would check with multiple lenders to see what is the lowest rate that you will get approved for and then go in for a shorter term home equity loan. But, if you are able to
find a refinance deal with minimal closing costs and a substantially lower interest rate, then it would make sense to opt for a cash out refinance. Either way, Bills.com makes it easy for you to compare quotes from different lenders. Just fill in your information at: Mortgage Refinance Quote and qualified lenders will get in touch with you to discuss your options.
I hope the information provided helps you Find. Learn. Save.
Best,
Bill
www.bills.com/blog
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1. Posted by tom on Thursday 12th June 2008 08:55
when getting a refinance / bill consolidation loan with some money out and you go to close, how soon do you get the money?
2. Posted by Bill on Thursday 12th June 2008 17:41
I cannot really answer the question as paper work and processes vary greatly from one firm to the other. You should pose that question to your future lender.