A Second Mortgage: What It Is and Why Someone Would Want One
Second mortgages are loans taken out on properties that already have one mortgage. Additionally, an individual having a second mortgage also has to keep making payments on their primary mortgage. This is known as a second mortgage because, in the event of foreclosure, the primary loan takes precedence.
The homeowner usually uses this type of mortgage when he or she needs money for several reasons, including:
- Capital working
- Remodeling a house
- Car or home repairs (emergency)
- Credit card consolidation
- Education costs
- Expenses associated with a wedding
In addition, there may be a variety of reasons for which a significant amount of money is required.
Finding the Perfect Second Mortgage For You
Gettingasecondmortgage is often considered risky by banks and other large financial institutions, so being accepted for a loan application may prove to be more difficult. Consequently, private lenders may offer you higher interest rates, as they are more willing to take on such a risk.
Home equity lines of credit (HELOCs) are often offered by major banks. Home equity lines of credit are similar to second mortgages because they let you draw on the equity of your home, but unlike a mortgage, they have a revolving characteristic.
The payment terms are fixed, unlike traditional mortgages. Instead, the credit can be used as needed and as necessary on an ongoing basis.
When looking for a mortgage, it’s crucial that you shop around and compare rates across many lenders. Your broker is the best resource in this regard. An experienced mortgage broker will be able to negotiate the best rate for you based on their knowledge of the market.
Additionally, your broker can help plan your second mortgage so that the details fit your financial situation and your circumstances. The loan to value rate, the payments, the term of the amortization, and the exit strategy are the most important factors to consider when planning a 2nd mortgage.
In a 2nd mortgage, you specify how many years you want your loan to last. It is important that you find the best term length for your 2nd mortgage to work to your advantage. 2nd mortgages have shorter terms than 1st mortgages in general. An interest-only second mortgage is an option for most borrowers. The term of the mortgage is typically one year.
What Is the Max?
If you have equity in your home, you can borrow an amount based on its value less any existing loans. Loan-to-value ratios (LTVs) are limited by different lenders on the basis of their loan-to-value restrictions. A customer of a bank, credit union, or mortgage company in Canada can only borrow up to 80% of their home’s appraised value.
For example, let’s assume your home is worth $500,000 and you owe $350,000 on your mortgage. You would only be eligible for a second mortgage of $50,000.
Wrapping up
Secured mortgages are those on which a homeowner’s home is used as collateral. The lender can take action if the borrower is unable to pay the loan back. A Power of Sale may be initiated or a lien placed on the property may be placed to ensure that the loan is repaid.
About The Author:
Adam Smith is a content writing guru at Contenterist. He is adept in IT as well. He loves to write on different topics. In his free time, he likes to travel and explore different parts of the world.
