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Dangerous Debt Consolidation LoansBy: Kevin Adelsberg
Now that the frenzy of refinancing has tapered off, many mortgage lenders have turned to alternate methods of marketing their services. Many banks have started pushing harder to sign up customers for home equity based debt consolidation loans. On the surface, debt consolidation loans offer cash-strapped consumers some relief from high interest rates. Looking deeper, consumers should be wary of both the pros and cons of this fast growing practice. In their simplest forms, debt consolidation loans are refinance agreements, second mortgages, or home equity loans. All three loan options allow homeowners to cash out part of the equity in their homes in order to pay off other debts. For borrowers who have watched their homes appreciate in value, a debt consolidation loan can eliminate the burden of multiple monthly payments without significantly affecting the amount of their monthly mortgage payment. On a mathematical level, debt consolidation loans can make much sense. A home owner who struggles to make the monthly minimum payments on her 21% interest rate credit cards can roll those balances into her 7% mortgage. The debt doesn't go away, but the rate goes down by two thirds. In many cases, she would only continue to pay about the same amount per month for her mortgage, freeing up her cash flow for other uses. As a side benefit, borrowers can deduct a portion of their mortgage interest payments from their income taxes each year. Though not a huge savings, many taxpayers love the opportunity to look forward to a larger tax return. The danger lies in the borrower's loss of security on two levels. First, if a home should suddenly depreciate, a debt consolidation loan customer could quickly find himself or herself "upside down" on the loan, owing more than what the house is worth. As long as that borrower continues to make payments, they'll survive. But, they will be unable to sell their home without absorbing a loss. For families who need to move in order to accept job transfers or pursue educational opportunities, this can be a devastating blow. Second, although the lending bank handles paying off the customer's outstanding debt, the customer must personally close their old credit accounts. For many customers, the temptation to keep those accounts open is far too great, and they find themselves deeper and deeper in debt. In effect, the debt consolidation improved their cash flow, but reversed their financial course. Without immediate intervention, these customers often find themselves on the road to bankruptcy. When investigating debt consolidation loans, consider your long-range plans. If you intend to stay in your current home for a long time and can handle the potential risk of depreciation, and if you can exert the willpower to close out your paid off charge accounts, then a debt consolidation loan may be a reasonable option for you. About the author: Kevin Adelsberg is a writer for FDLoans.com For additional articles and an extensive resource for everything about loans, please visit us at http://www.FDLoans.com MORE ARTICLES : Finding low interest credit Free Money Saving Auto And Home Loan Tips Boat Loans Steering Way Towards A Bon Voyage Home Equity Increases 1 Trillion in Five Years Is the Mar Home Equity Is it Time to Cash Out and Move Home Equity Line of Credit Finding The Best Home Equity Le Home Equity Loan Home Theater Adds Fun and Value Home Equity Loan vs Home Equity Line Of Credit Home Loans and Mortgages Beware of Deed Theft Scam Home Loans and Mortgages The Selection Can Be Bewildering Home Loans and Mortgages Tips to Avoid Foreclosure Home Loans The Hot New Product The 30year Mortgage How Personal Loans Outperform Bankruptcy and Credit Counseli How To Avoid Getting Scammed How to become debt free How To Find A Military Loan How to Get the Best Mortgage How To Read Your Credit Report How To Tap In To Your Home Equity I Wanna Hold Your Hand First Time Homebuyers Interest-only Mortgages Have Their Pitfalls Interest Rates Up Up and Away IS A BUSINESS PARTNERSHIP RIGHT FOR YOU Is There Any Way To Get Out Of Debt Is This Really A Recovery Financing A College Education Making Good Use Of Local Banks And Credit Unions For Low Loan Minimum Credit Card Payments to Rise More Organization Less Stress During Tax Season Index Pages: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 MORE RESOURCES : Invalid RSS Equalizer license. |