A home equity loan is an amount you borrow against the security of the house that you own. What the lender normally does is take the current market value of the property, deduct outstanding liabilities on it, if any, and lend you the difference (net worth).

Some companies limit the loan to 80 or 90 percent of the net worth.

You can opt for either Home Equity Line of Credit (HELOC) or Standard Home Equity Loan. In HELOC, you are allowed to draw from the sanctioned amount according to your needs. The interest rate is variable according to changes in the prime rate. A Standard Home Equity Loan is disbursed as a one-time payment. It is to be paid back in equal monthly installments over the approved loan period, which can up to thirty years. In this category, interest is fixed. It is possible for people with poor credit rating also to avail of home equity loans.

The borrowed amount can be used for any legitimate purpose that you choose like buying a car or closing a costlier liability. The interest rate is comparatively low, and in most cases, tax-deductible. The shorter the term of the loan, the interest will be lesser. In the U.S., the cost and terms may vary according to the place of residence because there are State regulations.

Approval of the loan is normally quick; a sanction could be obtained even on-line. Applying for a home equity loan doesn't cost anything. But there may be concealed charges in the package offered. Therefore, obtain quotes from different lenders and compare them. Check with someone you know who has taken a similar loan or your financial advisor. Also, free consultancy is available from agencies approved by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).

Before venturing out for a home equity loan, consider whether you really need to borrow and also assess your repayment capacity. Don't forget that there are risks involved, like the market value of the building declining. Defaulting repayments could result in the loss of your home.

Home Equity Loans provides detailed information about home equity loans, bad credit home equity loans, fixed rate home equity loans, home equity loan calculators and more. Home Equity Loans is the sister site of Car Refinance.