Optimists love to look on the bright side of things. But when it comes to financial products like second mortgages, they also need to look at the not-so-bright side. Second mortgages have many advantages, but they have weighty disadvantages, too. In any financial transaction, it's important to be aware of all your potential risks.
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Second mortgage defined
In many ways, a second mortgage is a duplicate of your first. It's a loan secured against your house, and the interest you pay is tax deductible. The difference occurs in the event that you default on your loan. The lender who holds the primary mortgage is the first to receive any funds recovered from the defaulted loan. The second mortgage lender is next in line. Because second mortgages are a slightly riskier proposition for lenders, they're generally tagged with higher interest rates.
Versatility galore
If you've built up quite a bit of equity in your home, a second mortgage allows you to tap large sums of money at one time. How you use the funds is entirely your decision. Typical uses include home improvements, paying for college, debt consolidation, and even paying for private mortgage insurance.
A walk on the dark side
All the plusses of having a loan secured against your house can turn into a huge minus if you fail to make your mortgage payment. A bank could foreclose on your home if you default on this loan and your primary mortgage.
That's the worst-case scenario, but there are even more potential disadvantages. Late payments can include hefty fees and serious blights to your credit report. And while second mortgage interest rates generally beat the rates of credit cards, they're generally higher than first mortgage rates.
There's plenty to celebrate about second mortgages but, like seconds at the dinner table, they can also get you sick to your stomach if you can't handle the extra load. Whether it's digesting a meal or digesting a mortgage loan, make sure that you have the stomach for it.
Start here to compare mortgage rates from top lenders in our network.
http://www.mortgageloan.com/disadvantages-of-second-mortgages
Friday, May 18, 2007
Refinancing: Debts and Taxes
In the 19th century, Sherlock Holmes relied on impressive observational skills and shrewd reasoning to solve the most complex of mysteries. Holmes' brilliance was never applied to mortgage-related tax deductions, but surely he could have unraveled that case, as well. The famous detective always moved deliberately, approaching each new mystery with a closer look at the facts.
Whether you have an original mortgage or refinanced mortgage, there are three main tax deductions associated with home ownership: mortgage interest, real estate taxes, and points paid. The tax facts relevant to refinanced mortgages are discussed below.
Mortgage Interest
Generally speaking, the interest on a refinanced mortgage is tax deductible. Exceptions arise for homeowners who refinance to cash out equity, and then use the equity-related funds for something other than improving their home. In this situation, only the interest on a maximum of $100,000 of the equity debt is tax-deductible. Here's an example:
You refinance your original $125,000 mortgage for $300,000. The extra $175,000 goes towards vacations, new cars, and other discretionary spending. You can deduct the interest related to the $125,000 refinanced from the first mortgage, and $100,000 of the new equity debt. The interest on the remaining $75,000 would not be tax deductible.
Real Estate Taxes
Real estate taxes are deductible in the year they are paid to the property tax collector. You cannot immediately deduct monies put into escrow for future property taxes; that expense would be deducted later on, in the same year those funds are applied to your property tax liability.
Points
Points paid on a refinance mortgage are, in most cases, deducted proportionately over the life of the loan. That said, points might be fully deductible in the first year if the refinance is used to fund home improvements. You must meet specific requirements to qualify for this deduction, so please check with your tax advisor.
The case isn't closed just yet. Just as Sherlock Holmes outlines his conclusions with trusty Dr. Watson, you should discuss the details of your deductions with a qualified tax advisor. Once you do, you'll see that they, too, are elementary.
http://www.mortgageloan.com/refinancing-debts-and-taxes
Whether you have an original mortgage or refinanced mortgage, there are three main tax deductions associated with home ownership: mortgage interest, real estate taxes, and points paid. The tax facts relevant to refinanced mortgages are discussed below.
Mortgage Interest
Generally speaking, the interest on a refinanced mortgage is tax deductible. Exceptions arise for homeowners who refinance to cash out equity, and then use the equity-related funds for something other than improving their home. In this situation, only the interest on a maximum of $100,000 of the equity debt is tax-deductible. Here's an example:
You refinance your original $125,000 mortgage for $300,000. The extra $175,000 goes towards vacations, new cars, and other discretionary spending. You can deduct the interest related to the $125,000 refinanced from the first mortgage, and $100,000 of the new equity debt. The interest on the remaining $75,000 would not be tax deductible.
Real Estate Taxes
Real estate taxes are deductible in the year they are paid to the property tax collector. You cannot immediately deduct monies put into escrow for future property taxes; that expense would be deducted later on, in the same year those funds are applied to your property tax liability.
Points
Points paid on a refinance mortgage are, in most cases, deducted proportionately over the life of the loan. That said, points might be fully deductible in the first year if the refinance is used to fund home improvements. You must meet specific requirements to qualify for this deduction, so please check with your tax advisor.
The case isn't closed just yet. Just as Sherlock Holmes outlines his conclusions with trusty Dr. Watson, you should discuss the details of your deductions with a qualified tax advisor. Once you do, you'll see that they, too, are elementary.
http://www.mortgageloan.com/refinancing-debts-and-taxes
Cash in on the Refinancing Boom
At the beginning of January 2007, the number of mortgage refinance applications spiked, thanks to a sudden drop in mortgage interest rates. But interestingly, when interest rates rise, many homeowners also refinance while there's still time to lock in low rates. Whichever direction mortgage rates move, consumer activity seems to accelerate. The reason: people want to capture available discounts while they last.
These questions will help you determine if a refinance is right for you:
How long will you keep the loan?
If you plan to hold on to the loan for several years, shop for a refinance rate that saves you money both now and into the future. Fixed rate loans are especially popular now, because their rates are still near historic lows and will stay predictable, even during times of mortgage market uncertainty.
Do you need to raise cash?
A cash-out refinance can put money in your pocket at rates that are lower than typical consumer loans. While the interest paid on consumer loans is not tax deductible, interest -as well as points paid at closing, in most cases-is deductible, and can provide further financial justification for refinancing.
Do you have untapped equity?
If you have equity in your home that could be used for a higher return elsewhere, use a mortgage refinance to take it out and put it where it really counts. For example, some financial advisors suggest using home equity loans to tap money that can then be invested in high-yield stocks. This can be a clever tactic for baby boomers needing aggressive wealth-building strategies prior to a retirement that looms just around the corner.
Is your current loan too expensive?
A refinance to a conventional loan is the ticket if you have an interest-only loan and want to avoid negative amortization. If you have an ARM that has adjusted-or is about to-and you want to avoid its higher monthly payments, you can refinance into a more comfortable fixed-rate product.
Instead of riding the stressful minute-to-minute mortgage rate roller coaster, crunch the numbers calmly and see if-and how-mortgage refinancing might be able to save you money in the New Year and beyond.
http://www.mortgageloan.com/cash-in-on-the-refinancing-boom
These questions will help you determine if a refinance is right for you:
How long will you keep the loan?
If you plan to hold on to the loan for several years, shop for a refinance rate that saves you money both now and into the future. Fixed rate loans are especially popular now, because their rates are still near historic lows and will stay predictable, even during times of mortgage market uncertainty.
Do you need to raise cash?
A cash-out refinance can put money in your pocket at rates that are lower than typical consumer loans. While the interest paid on consumer loans is not tax deductible, interest -as well as points paid at closing, in most cases-is deductible, and can provide further financial justification for refinancing.
Do you have untapped equity?
If you have equity in your home that could be used for a higher return elsewhere, use a mortgage refinance to take it out and put it where it really counts. For example, some financial advisors suggest using home equity loans to tap money that can then be invested in high-yield stocks. This can be a clever tactic for baby boomers needing aggressive wealth-building strategies prior to a retirement that looms just around the corner.
Is your current loan too expensive?
A refinance to a conventional loan is the ticket if you have an interest-only loan and want to avoid negative amortization. If you have an ARM that has adjusted-or is about to-and you want to avoid its higher monthly payments, you can refinance into a more comfortable fixed-rate product.
Instead of riding the stressful minute-to-minute mortgage rate roller coaster, crunch the numbers calmly and see if-and how-mortgage refinancing might be able to save you money in the New Year and beyond.
http://www.mortgageloan.com/cash-in-on-the-refinancing-boom
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