When it comes to accessing your home equity, cash-out refinancing and home equity lines of credit (HELOCs) are two popular options. But which one is easier to qualify for? Generally speaking, cash-out refinances are easier to qualify for than HELOCs. This is because a HELOC is technically a second mortgage, which means that lenders assume greater risk with this type of loan. Cashout refinancing incurs similar closing costs to your original mortgage, while HELOCs typically have lower closing costs than a cashout refinance and can close faster, meaning you can start using your funds sooner.
In addition, you will only pay interest on the funds you use rather than on the entire line of credit. Comparing home-equity loans or cash-out refinancing may be more difficult at this time, as some lenders have stopped offering these loans due to economic concerns. This can be detrimental if the current refinance rates are higher than the mortgage rates when you first applied for your mortgage, as it means that your entire mortgage loan, not just the additional cash you are applying for, will have a higher interest rate. If your cash-out refinance brings the accumulated value of your home to less than 20%, you may also have to pay private mortgage insurance an additional monthly cost that most mortgage lenders require when you don't have enough equity in your home.
But if you owe more than your home is worth, you're not a candidate for a cash out refinance, home equity loan, or HELOC. A cash out refinance and home equity loan allow you to convert home equity to cash at a fixed interest rate and a stable monthly payment, while a home equity line of credit (HELOC) gives you more flexibility. Popular during the past few years of low mortgage rates, cash-out refinancing allowed many homeowners to convert their home equity into cash while securing a lower mortgage rate. When refinancing to withdraw cash, you can choose to keep your original term, move to a shorter term, or extend the length of your term. Most cash-out refinance borrowers choose a 30-year term to spread costs over a longer period of time. This is because the higher interest rate applies to a smaller loan amount, while a cash-out refinance causes your entire mortgage to have a higher rate, not just the additional money you want to borrow. In conclusion, it will generally be a little easier to qualify for a cash back than a HELOC or home equity loan.
You're replacing your primary mortgage; lenders like that because it gives them the top position as creditors.
