Banks and other lenders extend credit based
upon a percentage of the estimated market
value of your home.
That percentage of market value minus the amount you owe on your first mortgage
(plus any 2nd or 3rd mortgages that you
may have) becomes the maximum amount of
credit that lenders will give you.
For example:
Let's say that your new home purchase
has an estimated market value of $150,000.
You placed 20% down at $30,000 and the
lender finances $120,000 of your home
mortgage. The maximum amount that you
can borrow is calculated as follows:
Estimated
Market Value:
$150,000
$150,000
$150,000
Percentage
LTV:
80%
90%
100%
Percentage
of Market Value:
$120,000
$135,000
$150,000
Less
Mortgage Debt:
$120,000
$120,000
$120,000
Equals
Total Equity:
$0
$15,000
$30,000
Banks and other lenders generally charge
a higher rate of interest for higher percentages
of LTV.
Since most new home owners can't borrow
at the 80%LTV level (most of their available
equity is the down payment), they often
view equity products at the 90%-100%LTV
level.
They expect to pay a higher rate of interest,
but the rate of interest is generally lower
than credit card advances and other unsecured
loans used for home improvement and other
repairs for the home.
Or, if you are considering a home mortgage
at the present time, request that your
lender bundle a home equity product with
your mortgage closing.
Note: The
recommended product, term and use are listed
as illustrative purposes on how you might
use the equity in your home. Please note
that your circumstances may be different
and that the recommended product, term and
use may not fit your particular need.
YourEquity.com is not a lender. Therefore, we cannot quote rates or guarantee best terms. We refer applicants interested in getting a lending quote to Secure Rights, a licensed mortgage broker representing multiple home equity lenders.