As interest rates rise more homeowners are turning to home equity loans to payoff other high interest debt. Equity in your home is the difference between what you owe and what your home is worth. A home equity loan or 2nd mortgage is a means to borrow against this value.

One thing you must understand is that home equity is a loan. A home equity loan is like having another mortgage to pay every month. Home equity loans are secured by your home so you can get better interest rates than unsecured loans; however, if you fall behind on your payments the lender could foreclose and take your home.

The advantage of taking out a home equity loan or second mortgage is that as long as the loan is secured by the home you live in, the interest is a tax deduction. Consolidate your high interest credit cards and other debt and claim a tax deduction. Home equity loans are flexible, many will provide you with checks or a debit card to access your funds.

There are literally thousands of home equity lenders in the marketplace today. The mortgage industry is extremely competitive and lenders are tripping over each other for your business. These lenders range from traditional banks and credit unions to online lenders that specialize in home equity lending.

You can use the home equity loan for any purpose; keep in mind that it is your money you are borrowing and put it to good use. Many homeowners use home equity loans for repairs or improvements to their homes. Some people use home equity loans to pay for their children