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There are two basic types of home equity loans: the standard home equity loan and a home equity line of credit. Another way of borrowing against home equity is cash-out refinancing.
The Standard Home Equity Loan
A standard home equity loan, (also called a term loan, a...
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Your credit rating is a measure of the risk you pose to a lender when you borrow money. Your credit rating will help determine whether or not you qualify for a home equity loan, how much you will be charged in interest and fees, and how much you can borrow.
Your credit...
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The cost of a home equity loan is made up of interest and fees. The APR, or annual percentage rate, is the single most important thing to compare when shopping for a home equity loan because it takes into account both interest and fees. The APR, which is expressed as a yearly...
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Truth in Lending Act
When you apply for a home equity loan, certain information must be provided to you. The federal Truth in Lending Act (TILA) requires lenders to disclose the following: the terms and cost of the loan including the annual percentage rate, points, fees and...
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There are several home equity loan terms that can greatly increase your loan costs - you need to be aware of these terms, sometimes avoid them, and always negotiate the best deal possible. Terms to be aware of are: a pre-payment penalty, credit insurance, and interest rate...
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While most home equity loan lenders are reputable institutions operating within the law, you do need to protect yourself from the abusive lending practices of some unscrupulous lenders. Homeowners - particularly elderly, minority and those with low incomes or poor credit -...
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