What is a Second Mortgage and How Does it Work?
Second mortgages are loans taken out against a home that has already been mortgaged. They can be an effective tool if you’re in need of financial assistance. They can raise funds for whatever you need the money for, whether that’s paying off credit card debt or starting a small business.
A second mortgage loan is the main alternative to refinancing your first mortgage, which enables you to increase the size of your loan by withdrawing more equity against your home.
If this is the right solution for you, Canadalend.com is more than happy to guide and advise you.
Uses of Second Mortgages
Second mortgages allow you to receive cash by accessing your home’s equity. They make sense if you are:
- Looking to access money in your home equity. Second mortgages convert equity to cash without touching the first mortgage.
- Avoid paying mortgage insurance for a home purchase. You need to provide a 10% down payment, allowing you to piggyback off of the first mortgage (more details below).
- Wish to borrow additional equity, then a cash-out refinance. Cash-out refinances allow owners to receive a new first mortgage for more than what is owed. Then, they use the difference for other expenses.
Second mortgages are helpful for:
- Paying Outstanding Bills/Debt Consolidation: Second mortgages consolidate several loans into manageable monthly payments. They save homeowners money on interest costs and allow them to catch up with outstanding payments.
- Quickly Obtaining Cash: There are situations where homeowners require immediate access to cash. Second mortgages are an easy way to get money during an emergency.
- Covering Home Renovations: Second mortgages can cover home improvements like finishing a backyard, adding an addition, or upgrading their kitchen or fittings.
- Buying Additional Property: People often consider buying property to supplement their income. Some people purchase property to flip (where owners can combine property costs with renovations) or buy rental property for residual income. It is often a wise investment, providing your rent covers payments.
- Preventing Power of Sale: Second mortgages avoid a power of sale should your home be up for foreclosure.
- Avoiding Private Mortgage Insurance (PMI): If an owner does not have the 20% necessary for a down payment, they must obtain a PMI. Sometimes, it makes more sense to take out a second mortgage loan at your time of purchase to receive the 20% payment. Many people avoid PMI by doing an 80-10-10/10-15-5 loan. It is when 80% is the home’s value, your 2nd mortgage is 10% or 15%, and your down payment is 5% or 10%.
- Covering Education Costs: Post-secondary education is expensive. Some people use second mortgages to cover tuition.
Our experts assist homeowners in reducing monthly payments by up to 50% with a second mortgage in Ontario.
Types of Second Mortgages
Home equity lines of credit and loans help make larger purchases, such as home renovations, education, etc., or consolidate debt.
Home Equity Loans
Home equity loans are similar to first mortgages. Homeowners receive a lump-sum loan and pay principal and interest over a set term in fixed monthly payments. They are perfect when you require a large amount of money. Home equity loans make sense when paying a single expense (home renovations or education).
Home Equity Lines of Credit (HELOCs)
HELOCs operate like one large credit card. Once approved, owners can withdraw money over a longer time frame and in needed amounts. Lenders charge interest only on withdrawn amounts. Once the sum is repaid, you can borrow money again.
HELOCs are an option if you don’t know how much cash you require or if it is needed over an extended period. An example is paying for tuition or extensive remodelling projects, such as an addition, wherein owners pay contractors in stages and over months. You can also use it as an emergency fund.
Using a HELOC as a Second Mortgage
HELOCs allow users to obtain money from a secured credit line based on their home’s equity. Borrowers can draw on the line anytime to cover an expense over an established time until repayment starts.
Unlike a home equity loan, interest rates are variable. HELOCs are considered secondary to primary mortgages on your property (second-lien position), so they have higher interest rates than a comparable first-lien mortgage.
Yet, HELOC rates are lower than interest on a credit card or unsecured credit. If you are looking to consolidate debt, you may save money.
HELOCs have a 10-15-year withdrawal period where borrowers only pay for interest. Repayment periods may last 20 years longer and require interest and monthly principal payments. It may take a more significant chunk out of your budget.
How much can you borrow?
How much depends on the equity in your house. In other words, how large is your first mortgage in proportion to the value of your home.
If you have built up some equity in your home, a 2nd mortgage is a great way to access money fast in Ontario. The experts at Canadalend.com work with many lenders who can not only get you approved quickly but also get you the best second mortgage rates in Ontario!
The requirements for getting a second mortgage in Ontario are easier than ever. As a homeowner, the qualifications are based more on home equity than credit scores and income.
However, the second home mortgage rates and conditions attached to that second mortgage loan will vary depending on the lender. For example, a credit score and income typically do not play an important role when qualifying for a 2nd mortgage unless dealing with an institutional lender.
Canadalend has access to a variety of second mortgage lenders in Ontario through our wide selection of lenders, many of whom do not require income or credit qualifications.
Second mortgage or refinance?
How much depends on your house's equity. In other words, how large is your first mortgage in proportion to the value of your home?
If you have built up some equity in your home, a second mortgage loan is a great way to access money fast in Ontario. The experts at Canadalend.com work with many second mortgage lenders who can not only get you approved quickly but also get you the best second mortgage rates in Ontario!
The requirements for getting a second mortgage in Ontario are easier than ever. As a homeowner, the qualifications are based more on home equity than credit scores and income.
However, the second home mortgage rates and conditions attached to that second mortgage will vary depending on the lender. For example, a credit score and income typically do not play an important role when qualifying for a second mortgage, unless dealing with an institutional lender.
Canadalend has access to a variety of second mortgage lenders in Ontario through many of our wide selections of lenders that do not require income or credit qualifications.
Benefits and Risks of a Second Mortgage
While a second mortgage may seem ideal, there are advantages and disadvantages.
Advantages:
- Home equity is accessible without refinancing a first mortgage.
- Second mortgage interest rates are tax-deductible if you use them for home improvement projects/buy a home.
- Debt consolidation occurs at lower second home mortgage interest rates than credit cards/personal loans.
- If the money goes towards a business start-up, investment, or home improvements, it can generate future income or create equity.
Disadvantages:
- Risk foreclosure if you can’t make payments.
- Pay higher 2nd mortgage interest rates compared to first mortgages.
- Access to HELOC funds can be frozen if your financial situation changes.
- Refinancing may be difficult since your original and second mortgage lender must agree to refinance.
- Extra fees include appraisal, closing costs, and origination fees.
Despite second mortgages' benefits and risks, our professionals will ensure they find you the best product for your situation, thereby boosting your advantages while minimizing risk.
We Offer a Range of Solutions for all Your Second Mortgage Needs
With our years of experience, we’ve seen it all, so we’re used to fine-tuning our services to meet unique financial needs. We understand that for most people, their home is the most valuable asset they will ever own, so it’s vital that they get the service they need.
At Canadalend.com, we are dedicated to 5-star customer service. Get in touch with us and a lending specialist will help set up an appointment for a free personal consultation. We will help you review your mortgage options and find the solution that fits your needs!
To discuss your options, contact us at 1-866-586-0713, visit us online here, or email us at info@canadalend.com.