For boomers, this is a great time to consider taking out a home equity loan (HEL) or home equity line of credit (HELOC).
Every day, about 10,000 baby boomers turn 65, the “traditional” age for retirement – or at least, the age when many people decide to call it quits and leave their jobs. In years past, many retirees could count on a workplace pension combined with Social Security benefits and personal savings to help them afford their retirement as long as they had modest financial needs.
But today, that's all changed; Social Security has not been keeping pace with withdrawal demands and inflation, the lion's share of businesses no longer offer employee pensions, and the stock market volatility of a few years ago all but wiped out the personal retirement savings of millions of men and women nearing or already at retirement age. Add to that the longer life expectancy for both men and women and it's easy to see why so many men and women are worried about having enough money to afford to live during their retirement years. In fact, numerous studies have shown just how woefully unprepared most people are when they reach their retirement years with the average retirement savings hovering well under $100,000. What is a retiree to do?
By the time retirement has arrived, most men and women have built up considerable equity in their homes – equity that can provide a much-needed financial cushion and extra peace of mind. Although home equity is one commodity shared by the majority of baby boomers, it's often overlooked as a source of funds for retirees. At least part of that is due to the fact that home equity loans are most commonly marketed as loans for life expenses like weddings, college education or home improvements, and not viewed as traditional vehicles for helping to offset some of the expenses of retirement. That view has begun to change more recently as older Americans are more commonly including their home's equity in their retirement planning.
If you have equity in your home, there are two primary ways to unlock it: Consider downsizing to a smaller home now that your children are grown and on their own, or take out a home equity loan (HEL) or home equity line of credit (HELOC). Downsizing can free up cash when you sell your current home and purchase a less expensive home in return. But a recent survey by AARP found most retirees – about 90 percent of those surveyed – don't care to downsize; they want to remain in their homes as they get older, which makes home equity loans an especially attractive option. The primary difference between the two options is how the money is disbursed. A HEL gives you your money in a lump sum while a HELOC lets you draw from a line of credit as you need it. Not only can a HEL or HELOC help you handle the costs of retirement, it can also help fund improvements and modifications to your home that allow you to stay put as you get older.
Is a HEL or HELOC right for you?
If you're retired or you're planning on retiring soon, now is a great time to explore home equity loans.
Rates remain near historic lows, which means this is the ideal time to lock in a great rate. You've invested a lot in your home. Take a few moments right now to review our rate tables to compare all your options and see just how easy it can be for your home to start paying you back for a change.
: BestCashCow's Editorial Board has been led by Ari Socolow since 2008.
Conditions… Variable APR of Prime minus 1.01% in all states. Min loan amount $10,000. Max loan amount $200,000. 30-year term. Annual fee waived for the first year. See conditions for guarantee at thirdfederal.com.
Third Federal rate are typically 20% lower than other leaders
Guaranteed Lowest Rate
No closing costs, prepayment penalties, or minimum draw requirements
All terms are estimates until underwriting is complete. Offer shown includes a .50% discount for automatic payment enrollment (autopay enrollment is not a condition of loan approval). 10, 15, 20, and 30-year terms available (20 and 30 year terms only available for cash out requests). All terms have a 5-year draw period with the remaining term being a no draw period. Payments are fully amortized during each period and determined on the outstanding principal balance each month. Closing fees range from $750 to $6,685, depending on line amount and state law requirements and typically include origination (2.5% of line amount) and underwriting ($725) fees if allowed by law. Property must be owner-occupied and combined loan-to-value ratio may not exceed 80%, including the new loan request. Property insurance is required and flood insurance may be required if the subject property is located in a flood zone. You must pledge your home as collateral. Offers are only valid in states where Achieve is licensed. Loans are not available to residents of all states and available loan terms and fees may vary by state where offered. Contact Achieve Loans for further details.
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A Guaranteed Rate HELOC is secured with your home as collateral, whereas personal loans and credit cards are not.
To check the rates and terms you qualify for, we will conduct a soft credit pull that will not affect your credit score. However, if you continue and submit an application, we will request your full credit report from one or more consumer reporting agencies, which is considered a hard credit pull and may affect your credit.
Approval may be granted in five minutes but is ultimately subject to verification of income and employment, as well as verification that your property is in at least average condition with a property condition report. Five business day funding timeline assumes closing the loan with our remote online notary. Funding timelines may be longer for loans secured by properties located in counties that do not permit recording of e-signatures or that otherwise require an in-person closing.
Guaranteed Rate Home Equity Line is an open-end product where the full loan amount (minus lender, broker, third party, and governement fees, as applicable) will be 100% drawn at the time of origination. The initial amount funded at origination will be based on a fixed rate; however, this product contains an additional draw feature. As the borrower repays the balance on the line, the borrower may make additional draws during the draw period. If the borrower elects to make an additional draw, the interest rate for that draw will be set as of the date of the draw and will be based on an Index, which is the Prime Rate published in the Wall Street Journal for the calendar month preceding the date of the additional draw, plus a fixed margin. Accordingly, the fixed rate for any additional draw may be higher than the fixed rate for the initial draw.
Apply in 5 minutes, get your money in as fast as 5 days.
Please note that the interest rates offered are subject to change based on market conditions and borrower eligibility. The pricing and rate provided are accurate as of the specified date. It is important to be aware that the minimum loan amount for any loan program is $50,000. The specific amount and terms of the credit offer will be determined based on underwriting approval and guidelines, which include factors such as your credit history, your ability to make payments, and the available equity in your home.
To qualify for this offer, you must meet the required criteria and demonstrate creditworthiness. Additionally, providing up to two years of income verification may be necessary. The severity of your credit may also impact the required down payment. It is crucial to understand that the lender reserves the right to cancel this offer if the provided information cannot be verified.
Please note that all bankruptcies must be discharged in order to be eligible. This offer is nontransferable and is specifically available for single-family residences or owner-occupied condominiums. Please be aware that mobile homes and cooperatives are not included in this offer. It is important to note that the lender must hold a valid first lien position, and property hazard insurance is a requirement.
These are some key details to consider when evaluating this offer. It is essential to thoroughly review the terms and conditions and seek clarification from the lender regarding any specific questions or concerns you may have before proceeding with the application process.
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The Figure Home Equity Line is an open-end product where the full loan amount (minus the origination fee) will be 100% drawn at the time of origination. The initial amount funded at origination will be based on a fixed rate; however, this product contains an additional draw feature. As the borrower repays the balance on the line, the borrower may make additional draws during the draw period. If the borrower elects to make an additional draw, the interest rate for that draw will be set as of the date of the draw and will be based on an Index, which is the Prime Rate published in the Wall Street Journal for the calendar month preceding the date of the additional draw, plus a fixed margin. Accordingly, the fixed rate for any additional draw may be higher than the fixed rate for the initial draw.
Fastest way to turn home equity into cash
Flexible terms, redraw up to 100%, borrow $20k-$400k
Approval in as little as 5 minutes. Funding in as few as 5 days.
Use to consolidate debt or finance your next home project
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