Many people use a second mortgage to generate much needed funds. It is just a loan on property owned by you. However in case you default on payments your first mortgage would have legal preference on receiving payment than the second mortgage.

Usually a second mortgage is used for home improvements, to avoid private mortgage insurance, for debt consolidation programs, or for purchasing an additional home. Although a second mortgage can serve to bail you out of a situation you are risking the most important investment in life, your home. A second mortgage could land you in a debt trap. And, as the loan has a risk element for the lender the interest rates are normally higher than a plain-vanilla mortgage but much lower than a credit card loan or personal loan.

If you need a second mortgage it will be easiest to obtain it from the bank, credit union, or institution you are already with. The other alternative is to source it from the same lender who has given you your primary mortgage. However, when you avail of a second mortgage, the fees charged for appraisal, application and other services, as well as closing costs are much higher.

Be financially astute. Don