Second Mortgage Rates
Rates for second mortgages depend on a number of factors. Just as the rate you pay for a first mortgage will vary based on your creditworthiness and other factors, there is much variation among second mortgage rates as well. Some of the things that affect the interest rate are the credit score of the borrower, the type of second mortgage and whether the interest rate is fixed or adjustable.
No matter what type of mortgage you are getting, it goes without saying that you will get a better rate if you have good credit. If you know you have credit issues, it is a good idea to get a copy of your credit report and fix what you can before you apply for a mortgage. There may be some minor issues on your credit report that can be taken care of easily.
There can also be a significant difference in interest rates between second mortgages of different types. If you get a home equity line of credit (HELOC), you will usually get a much lower rate than if you get a home equity loan. In fact, the interest rate for a HELOC is usually only around one-half of a percent higher than a standard 30-year mortgage. A home equity loan, on the other hand, can often have an interest rate 2.5% to 3% higher than a comparable HELOC.
Fixed rate loans often start out with a higher interest rate than an adjustable rate mortgage. This is true whether it is a first mortgage or second. However, the rates on an adjustable rate mortgage can go up over time as national interest rates increase. This results in a payment that keeps getting higher over time.
When shopping for second mortgage rates, don’t forget to ask about points. Like first mortgages, second mortgages often come with the ability to buy points. The way this works is that you pay an extra fee up front in exchange for a slightly lower interest rate. You’ll have to do some calculations to determine which is cheapest, but buying points will normally save you money over the course of the loan.
As you can see, there are many factors that can influence second mortgage rates. However, rates are still low compared to where they have been in the past, so if you are thinking about getting a second mortgage, now is a great time to do it.