Home-Equity Loan A consumer loan secured by a second mortgage, allowing home owners to borrow against their equity in the home. The loan is based on the difference between the homeowner's equity and the home's current market value. The mortgage also provides collateral for an asset-backed security issued by the lender and sometimes tax deductible interest payments for the borrower.
Also known as "equity loan" or "second mortgage". Investopedia Says: A home-equity loan is basically a line of credit secured by your home. When the line of credit is drawn down, the financial institution providing it places a second mortgage loan on your home until the loan is paid off, after which the you can use the loan to finance other purchases. However, if the loan is not paid off, your home could be sold to pay off the remaining debt. Interest rates on such loans are usually adjustable rather than fixed and lower than standard second mortgages or credit cards. Related Terms: Annual Percentage Rate - APR Asset-Backed Security Home Equity Home Equity Line Of Credit - HELOC House Poor Line of Credit Mortgage Mortgage Equity Withdrawal Reverse Mortgage Variable Interest Rate |