The internet can be a valuable resource for finding the right home equity loan. Whether you need to check rates, compare terms and fees, or apply for a loan, your entire search can easily be conducted from the privacy of your own home.

According to the 2006 National Association of Realtors Profile of Home Buyers and Sellers, nearly 80% of all home buyers used the Internet as an information source. With websites you can save time and money by comparing numerous home equity loans online.

Searching lenders online can save you days, if not weeks, on the application process. Completing the application online gives you the flexibility to work at your own pace and access documents you might otherwise forget in a face-to-face interview with a loan officer.

Since rates can vary from state to state, make sure that the lender complies with Federal and State laws so that they are authorized to operate in your state.

What the Internet Can Do For You

The internet is great in helping you:

Save time. Many banks give responses to online home equity loan applications in seconds. This will save time. The internet is able to make the qualification and application processes very convenient. Compare home equity rates.

Compare rates. The internet is a great source to compare interest rates, so that you can find the best offers. After using the Internet and doing your online research, you can be certain that you are getting a good deal. Compare home equity rates.

Calculate estimated payments. Home equity calculators are readily available on the internet. They appear on most banks' websites and on independent informational websites as well. With these calculators, knowing your available credit and your interest rate, you can calculate your monthly payments. They are a great way to find the loan that is right for you.

There are basically two types of home equity loans: a home equity loan (HEL) or a home equity line of credit (HELOC). Since the debt is secured by your home, the interest rate is typically less than that of a credit card or personal loan. Also, the interest paid on the loan may be tax deductible. (Always check with your tax or financial advisor before making any tax-related decisions).

Home Equity Loan (HEL)

A home equity loan, also referred to as a second mortgage, is best used in situations where you intend to use the funds for a specific purpose, like home improvements or a car purchase. The interest rate and the monthly payments are fixed. These get paid back in installments over a fixed period of time, typically 5-15 years. While the time to repay a loan is shorter than that of a traditional mortgage, borrowers like the certainty of having a fixed rate and fixed monthly payments.

Home Equity Line of Credit (HELOC)

A home equity line of credit is a revolving line of credit that allows you to access the funds as you need, instead of all at once. The interest rate is variable and in most cases tied to prime. The rate for which you qualify is usually based on your creditworthiness and your ability to repay the loan.

Advantages and disadvantages of using each type of loan

Knowing when to use which type of loan depends on your specific circumstances. If you have a long term remodeling project which requires cash installments over time, then a line of credit makes sense. If your home needs a major upgrade and you are making one large payment, then the stability of a home equity loan may be a better choice.

While the advantages for both types of loans may sound appealing, carefully evaluate whether the benefits each has to offer is worth incurring the additional debt. Compare home equity rates.

As a homeowner, you have probably received offers in the mail to apply for a home equity line of credit (HELOC) or a home equity loan (HEL). If handled properly, these types of loans can provide you with additional funds. To assure that you are getting the best deal, here are some tips you will want to consider before selecting the right loan program. Compare home equity rates.

• Avoid unnecessary fees. The market for home equity loans can be very competitive. When shopping for the best offer be aware of any application fees,closing costs, or appraisal fees which can drive up your actual costs. Find a home equity loan that does not penalize you if you decide to pay off your loan early, or one that does not charge you a check writing fee each time you access your home equity line of credit.

• Interest rate caps. Like a variable-rate mortgage, a HELOC is subject to change as interest rates fluctuate. This can work to your advantage should interest rates drop. However, be aware of how frequently your rate can adjust each year (e.g., quarterly is better than monthly.) Also look at the lifetime cap or maximum amount a rate can adjust each year.

• Try to avoid pre-payment penalties. Everyone wants to have the flexibility of paying off their home equity loan early. The reward is not only being debt free but saving on interest charges. Work with a lender who is willing to waive any pre-payment penalties or who gives you the flexibility to make interest-only payments in case you encounter a financial hardship.

• Ability to convert to a fixed rate. Since most HELOCs have variable ratesand can change at different times, what may seem like an attractive rate in the beginning may skyrocket later, should interest rates rise. Look for loan features that will allow you to convert to a fixed-rate loan should this happen.

• Shop for the best rates. Shop and compare for the best HELOC rates online. Be aware of low teaser rates which will escalate after the brief introductory period. Make sure you know the index and margin used to calculate the fully indexed rate. Determine if the rates you are comparing are competitive once all fees have been calculated.

• Bank on your relationships. Many financial institutions offer customers incentives, such as discounted interest rates, to maintain their banking relationship assuming certain requirements are met. Inquire with your current bank to see if they have such promotions available and check to see if you qualify.

Most financial institutions will let you borrow as much as 70%-80% of the loan-to-value (LTV) ratio of your home less any outstanding mortgage debt on your property. There are a variety of home equity loan products available, each with their own terms and conditions. The equity is collateral you can use when borrowing against your home and is calculated as follows:

* Actual percentages may vary depending on the lender and borrowed amount.

When determining your available credit line, the lender may take into consideration other factors including your past credit history, your current income, and your ability to repay a loan. After your credit history has been evaluated, a report will be generated which includes your credit score and lets lenders know which loan is best suited for you.

Maintaining a good FICO score

Your credit score is calculated by the Fair Isaac Corporation (FICO), which accesses the three main credit reporting bureaus (Equifax, TransUnion, and Experian). Credit scores can range from as low as 300 points to as high as 850. People with average credit usually score around 620, good credit at 660, and excellent credit above 720.

You can build and maintain a good credit score by always paying your bills on time, and by keeping a good utilization ratio. This means using less credit than is actually available to you. FICO scores are based on your rating in five general categories: payment history (35%), amounts owed (30%), length of credit history (15%), new credit (10%), and types of credit used (10%) (Source: www.myfico.com). Whether you are new to using credit, or have been a long-time borrower, keeping these categories in mind and maintaining responsible borrowing habits can help you strengthen your credit score. Compare home equity rates.

Several factors can come into play when trying to select the right home equity loan. Each lender can set their own terms and rates and the repayment plan can also vary from lender to lender. Make sure you choose a loan with a repayment schedule that works for your situation. Compare home equity rates.

Repaying a Home Equity Loan (HEL)

If you decide to select a home equity loan, be prepared to receive a lump sum of money upfront from the lender. It is a lot like financing an auto loan where interest is charged on top of your monthly principal payments and amortized until your debt is repaid in full. The interest rate is fixed (generally up to 180 months or 15 years) and secured by collateral, in this case the equity in your home instead of your car.

Repaying a Home Equity Line of Credit (HELOC)

A home equity line of credit acts a lot like a credit card. Instead of fixed payments over a specified period of time, you are given a maximum credit line that you can borrow against in increments as needed and pay back in monthly installments. You can access your credit line as needed - for a specified period of time or draw period -- up to your credit limit either by check or by an access card linked to the HELOC.

You may pay interest only on the amount that is borrowed. However, at the end of the term you may have to pay the entire principal, usually in the form of a balloon; payment. Or you can pay a combined principal and interest payment each month. Most loans allow for principal and interest payments to be amortized over the repayment term.

Your monthly payments are based on the amount of interest you borrow and the current interest rate. The interest rate can vary since variable rate HELOCs are tied to a specific index and margin. Because the interest rate is tied directly to an index, it is advisable to look into how much your rate may change based on past history.