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Mortgage Strategy

Tap equity without replacing the first mortgage

A HELOC or home-equity loan may let an eligible homeowner access equity while keeping an existing first mortgage in place.

Using a HELOC to access home equity

HELOC

A line of credit generally has a draw period, variable rate, minimum payment rules, and later repayment period. Terms vary.

Home-equity loan

A closed-end second mortgage may provide a lump sum with a fixed or variable rate and scheduled repayment.

Use debt carefully

Home improvements, investment, and debt consolidation can be valid goals, but the home secures the new obligation and payment risk matters.

Compare the alternatives

Review HELOC, home-equity loan, cash-out refinance, unsecured debt, fees, rate changes, tax advice, and payoff plan.

Your next step

Let’s talk about what this means for you.

You do not have to figure out every mortgage detail on your own. Tell me the goal and we can work through the questions.

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