Home equity loans are fixed rate loans available in terms ranging from 5 to 15 years. This loan requires you to borrow the money all at once; repayment begins immediately. Good deals for these loans often come from local banks or credit unions. These are good for projects and procedures where large amounts of money are needed at one time. Interest rates are typically less than most others. If part of the payment was needed months after the initial payment, a bank account could be created to hold the amount of the second payment.
Home equity lines of credit are variable rate loans with interest rates that are usually tied to the prime rate, with a maximum interest rate of 18 percent. This loan does not require you to borrow all the money at once. You receive a checkbook-like pad and are able to withdrawal and pay back funds as needed. Interest is only applicable to money withdrawn. Fees for this type of loan vary and are less than home equity loans.
You must be 62 years of age to qualify for a reverse mortgage. This loan allows you to borrow back the equity in your principal residence. The amount you can borrow depends upon your age, the value of your home and current interest rate. There is no credit or income requirement. There are no monthly payments to make and the loan does not have to be paid back until you sell your home, are deceased, or move out for one year or longer. You do not have to pay interest on money that you have not withdrawn.
Life insurance policies accumulate cash values. Some of the money you pay into a life policy accumulates as a guaranteed cash value. With an activated policy, you are able to take a loan against the policy at the current policy loan interest rate. The amount of your guaranteed cash value depends on the policy you have, its size and how long the policy has been activated.
