People need loans for various reasons, such as debt consolidation, mortgage refinancing, home improvements, vehicle purchases, paying for weddings, medical bills, higher education, and other expenses. Ideally, one looks for a fixed low rate to navigate an unexpected financial burden or a planned purchase. There are multiple ways to obtain loans at low interest rates. Continue reading this article to find out why personal loans can be a risky option for an individual.
Personal Loans: It is suitable when one needs a specific amount of money for a fixed interest rate to be repaid over a predetermined period. However, they have the highest interest rates amongst all types, ranging from 5.95 to 35.99% over 2-7 years.
Depending on the lender, the maximum loan amount ranges from $10,000 to $100,000. The rate depends on several factors such as debt ratios, credit score, transaction history, annual income, and so on. Hence, it is hard to qualify for this loan as one has to control so many variables. Moreover, extra fees or prepayment penalties plague the process, and origination fees are required upfront.
A personal loan is unsecured. Hence, if you default on this loan, there will be consequences such as irreparable damage to your credit score. In New Jersey, a hefty late fee is added each time a scheduled payment is not made and funds are automatically withdrawn from the linked account. As a last resort, you may be assigned a debt collector, who will make frequent calls and send collection letters. If all attempts failed, the case will be turned over to a professional debt collection law firm.
At last, a civil lawsuit is filed, and any negotiations beyond this point are impossible. This way, the creditor can ‘secure’ the loan through the court’s judgment. The court judgment, along with all negative information, can remain on the credit report for up to 7 years.
So, if not personal loans, which methods should one trust? There are multiple options to go through, but the most affordable option is Home Equity Loans.
Cash-out mortgage refinancing: When mortgage rates fall, one can take a loan higher than what he currently owes and receive a check for the difference. This way, by refinancing their mortgage, one can tap into their home equity. However, such situations occur randomly, and mortgage rates are too volatile to trust this option for large amounts.
Reverse Mortgage: Known as home equity conversion mortgages, they can be used by those aged 62 and above to turn the residential value into cash. However, this puts a burden of repayment on the heirs and puts other occupants at risk. Steep up-front costs are also required, including lender fees, mortgage insurance premiums, and settlement costs.
Get Home Equity Loan: Unlike the above alternatives, it has the advantage of a single monthly repayment at a low rate, with no hidden charges. It is a fixed-rate loan with the house as collateral. One receives the entire amount upfront and can pay it back in small monthly installments over a while.
- Before applying, ensure that you have a good credit score and the necessary home equity stake. Although similar to HELOCs, this is a fixed-term loan with an interest rate locked at the starting. Moreover, it does not have a set draw period ensuring maximum flexibility. On the other hand, HELOCs are restricted with spending limits and variable rates.
- This is the easiest to qualify as it is a collateral-based loan. The higher the equity, the larger the loans one qualifies for. According to the Federal Trade Commission, one can borrow up to 85% of total home equity.
- If you opt for a home loan, check out the specific state laws and rates regarding the loans. Homeowners in New Jersey may look for home equity loan rates in NJ for a home loan to solve financial problems.
Lenders provide competitive terms and flexibility specifically for home equity loans. Thus, compare your financial situation and the market rates to make the right decision by choosing home equity loans.
Danis Woods in Businessman, investment banker and stock exchange traders. On the same time he loves writing financial blogs to shed lights on different aspects that new and existing businessman are not aware of.
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